Polo 6r tdi: warm up mist/spoke

[pepperpolo]

Hi,

have a 6r tdi. Have noticed recently when starting the car on cold mornings, while driving it sometimes blows a whitish smoke/mist/plume. I don't think it is the usual steam of cold mornings, there is too much of it. It is usually gone within 5-10 minutes.

My guess is it is unburnt diesel although I haven't got out and smelt it.

Is there a temp sensor or something that might be making the car over fuel while warming up?

Any thoughts?

Although coming into spring it is happening less and I think it will soon disappear with the warmer weather but it has on a few occasions made me questioning head gasket but there is no oil in water or opposite.

Thanks

Matt

[nes]

White smoke usually is just steam so I wouldn't worry too much. Check to see if it happens when the weather gets warmer

[alexaescht]

Happens (to me at least) when the DPF is trying to run a regen cycle when the engine is too cold and leaving diesel unburnt. If you stop it will smell like diesel/oil and you may notice rough running etc.

[louis19]

Try your first start up of the day at a warmer time of the day, if its clear you'll know its only the first start up of the day in cool conditions which would point to steam.

[pepperpolo]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. Not sure waiting for warmer weather helps solve the question because there would be no steam or visible unburnt diesel i would think.

I think Alex is onto it. It does run a bit funny in that time so is probably the DPF thing. It always runs a bit funny in that cycle. Although i thought the regen cycle only came on when warm but i cannot remember why i thought that.

So will keep an eye on it, but i reckon it is the DPF timing.

Thanks again.

[alexaescht]

The DPF regen 'should' come on once the engine is warm, and it usually does, but sometimes it must just have a brain fart and run it when cold. When yours starts stalling when it's running the cycle like mine did, that's when you go to the dealer and get some new injectors. Otherwise, shouldn't be an issue.

[pepperpolo]

thanks alex. makes sense to me. even the brain fart.

[LD_mart]

The DPF regen 'should' come on once the engine is warm, and it usually does, but sometimes it must just have a brain fart and run it when cold. When yours starts stalling when it's running the cycle like mine did, that's when you go to the dealer and get some new injectors. Otherwise, shouldn't be an issue.

Mine started doing this.
3 months out of warranty
Got all injectors and labour done for free out of good will two days ago. Didn't even have to fight for it.

[alexaescht]

Mine started doing this.
3 months out of warranty
Got all injectors and labour done for free out of good will two days ago. Didn't even have to fight for it.

You're lucky they did that, would have easily been $4000+ with labour. These little 1.6 TDI's worry me in the long run.