Hi i have just bought a 1997 2.5 di transit non turbo(not the banana engine), in the mornings it turns over about 20 times before it fires up and when it does start it kicks out blue looking smoke. Also i can keep my foot to the floor and it will not rev up properly for a minute or so then after that it`s fine all day if i don`t leave it to long..The guy i bought it from said he had just fitted a new cam belt himself as the water pump was leaking, maybe he has missed something major that i cannot see. I have checked the obvious things pipes erg valve and pipes all look fine and their is no fluid leaks from anywhere,, PLEASE HELP!!!!

JIM, September 2008

You need to renew the foofoo valve.

bob, October 2008

I have the same problem with mine. In the summer days it runs like a dream. The cold kills it. I usually keep my car parked next to it and the jump leads at the ready. I tried to get glow plugs for it today but found out they dont have any.

Darren, October 2008

The main cause of burning oil on these is a loose bolt on the rocker shaft, letting oil from the oil way straight into the breather, take the oil filler cap off with the engine running and see if there is any oil spraying out.

MrMPuk, September 2008

Hi my neighbour said it was blue smoke today so im more confused than ever, all filters and oil changed today plus checked timing out it is all correct however after replacing the coolant the temp is a lot lower than it was running at and the poor idle and smoke is still their..

Jim, September 2008

The van doesn't have glow plugs.

This is quite common on these 2.5Di engines, if the van is taking a long time to start it is normally due to the starter motor not getting full battery current due to a poor connection. You can solve this by removeing all the batter and starter connections adn cleaning them up and reconnecting them.

These is also another cause which is poor servicing or incorrect oil being used, replace the engine oil and filter and ensure the correct engine oil is used which should by 5w30 Semi-Synthetic.

MrMPuk, September 2008

The white smoke is due to excess fuel in the system due to the fact that it takes so long turning over before it starts. Once it "warms up" you say its fine. It will also not rev properly as the fuel air mixture is far too rich at startup because it has cranked over for so long, hence your foot to the floor problem. I would suggest you replace your glow plugs which will help it start properly. And I assume you let the glow plug light go out before you try and start it. I know lots of van drivers (not meaning yourself) who just crank the engine round and round and round till it fires. Not good for a diesel engine. Use the glow plugs properly and it will start quickly. Your problems should be solved..

Good Luck.

JB, September 2008

My wife says it is more white smoke than blue...

jim, September 2008

Blue smoke is burning oil, it could be that the valve stem seals are letting oil into the bores which is very unlikely. I'd be more tempted to get a second opinion on the colour of the smoke.

MrMPuk, September 2008