Grey smoke from exhaust at 20K

[showard8]

Took it for a run early this morning to try to recreate the issue on the same route my wife took, couldn't get it to do it, after that I put the transmission into manual mode and sat it at around 3000 rpm for half hour on the roads to blow anything left in the DPR through it, hopefully that's the last of it.......

[clivea]

Originally Posted by tt82

Hi clive

Thats one of the reasons I started the Whats your mileage? thread. As for DPF's, my theory on my understanding of how it works is that occoasional non use is fine and you don't need to take it out for a run just because it's been stood for a week.

An engine is at it's worst when first starting up, remember how Castrol tell us that most engine wear occurs after starting. Untill the engine is up to temp it doesn't run properly. At this point you will be using a lot of fuel and creating a lot of soot/Diesel Particles and the DPF is not yet at the required temp to burn it all off. If you switch off the engine before the DPF reaches operating temp then the soot will remain and more soot will be added the next time you start up. Repeating this constantly will lead to the DPF filling up and a regeneration being required, although any substantial journey should get the DPF hot enough to burn it all off.

In your case, not using the car means no soot is being formed in the DPF and there is nothing that needs to be burned off. As long as when you do use the car it isn't for lots of short journeys where the engine is allowed to cool inbetween, then you should be ok.

Note: This is just my opinion, it may be wrong but thats what I believe.

I take it for a run not because of the DPF but to ensure seals and joints are 'excercised'. Things like gearbox output seals, aircon seals, water pump and brake piston etc. all cheap to buy but pricey to have replaced.

[griston64]

That's what I thought TT82. I do very low mileage but when I do drive the car its a 400 to 500 mile run at just under 70mph ( honest guv ! )

A petrol car would be better for me but thats easier said than done when looking for a new Volvo/Audi/BMW large estate car !!

[clivea]

See my post in Grey Smoke at 20k its to keep the other bits 'live'. Sorry if not too clear.

[griston64]

Sorry I've been away for two days on a 700 mile round trip drive and lost the thread plot slightly. Getting you loud and clear.

My car doesn't get used everyday and can sometimes sit for a few weeks but when I do use it it's always a good long run.

[GrantA]

Originally Posted by griston64

Sorry I've been away for two days on a 700 mile round trip drive and lost the thread plot slightly. Getting you loud and clear.

My car doesn't get used everyday and can sometimes sit for a few weeks but when I do use it it's always a good long run.

One thing I have picked up on reading through the Threads on this Forum is that if you leave your car for an extended period with the EPB "on" then the brake can seize on and you are stuck until the brake can either be released electronically or manually. IIRC it happened to someone on this Forum when they parked their car at an airport and went off on holiday for a couple of weeks. It was winter though, and wet, and it is possible that the brakes rusted on just enough for the electrics to fail when it tried to wind them "off". I use the EPB all the time when at home because my drive is on a slope (but I do use the car every couple of days) when on the flat I just use "P" on the gearbox.

I agree with Clive you do need to turn the engine over, drive the car, every so often to keep the seals lubricated and supple especially the air-con seals which will dry up if the air-con is not used for a period of time. IIRC it is recommended that air-cons should be run weekly - that mainly applies to static air-cons but I believe applies to vehicle air-cons as well.

[griston64]

Originally Posted by GrantA

One thing I have picked up on reading through the Threads on this Forum is that if you leave your car for an extended period with the EPB "on" then the brake can seize on and you are stuck until the brake can either be released electronically or manually. IIRC it happened to someone on this Forum when they parked their car at an airport and went off on holiday for a couple of weeks. It was winter though, and wet, and it is possible that the brakes rusted on just enough for the electrics to fail when it tried to wind them "off". I use the EPB all the time when at home because my drive is on a slope (but I do use the car every couple of days) when on the flat I just use "P" on the gearbox.

I agree with Clive you do need to turn the engine over, drive the car, every so often to keep the seals lubricated and supple especially the air-con seals which will dry up if the air-con is not used for a period of time. IIRC it is recommended that air-cons should be run weekly - that mainly applies to static air-cons but I believe applies to vehicle air-cons as well.

I'm off out for a drive to Stirling then ! With Aircon !

[GrantA]

Originally Posted by griston64

I'm off out for a drive to Stirling then ! With Aircon !

Enjoy !!

[griston64]

Nice run out to Stirling and back with the odd blast up to the national speed limit (not over honest ) ! It was one of those cool evenings when the air temperature seemed just right for the car to run perfectly.

Roads were really quiet which I spose is to be expected on a Friday night.

[GrantA]

Originally Posted by griston64

Nice run out to Stirling and back with the odd blast up to the national speed limit (not over honest ) ! It was one of those cool evenings when the air temperature seemed just right for the car to run perfectly.

Roads were really quiet which I spose is to be expected on a Friday night.

I must admit there is something about the noise of the 5 cylinder engine when it revs between 3,000 and 4,000 revs it sounds just right and gives the impression of a far more powerful car, although at 215 bhp yours will not be a slouch!!