Dead, smoking-engined, diesel

oldie · 11th January 2018, 19:20

Probably almost impossible to diagnose on a forum; however, any input appreciated before I consider viewing a "dead" car.

2005 diesel, 115,000 miles, described thus: "...The engine was smoking and we were told by experts that it is something to do with the engine block/cylinders and that a new engine would be required..."

I wondered if it was runaway. But the vendor's description is too measured, I think, had they been confronted with something as exciting as that.

marinabrian · 11th January 2018, 20:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldie

Probably almost impossible to diagnose on a forum; however, any input appreciated before I consider viewing a "dead" car.

2005 diesel, 115,000 miles, described thus: "...The engine was smoking and we were told by experts that it is something to do with the engine block/cylinders and that a new engine would be required..."

I wondered if it was runaway. But the vendor's description is too measured, I think, had they been confronted with something as exciting as that.

PCV filter will almost certainly be blocked, when you go to view the car, slowly slacken the oil filler cap with the engine idling, and listen for an audible hiss

Don't be tempted to remove the dipstick with the engine running, however do check the oil level prior to start up, to make sure it hasn't been run without oil

If you do decide to buy it, either remove the PCV filter, or carefully drive it keeping the car off boost if possible, with the filler cap slackened.

Brian

Mike Noc · 11th January 2018, 21:25

Try checking the oil level before cranking the engine - if the level is high on the dipstick and then drops once you have wiped it clean and dipped it again that is another indication of a blocked PCV filter.

pletevl · 12th January 2018, 08:52

Mine was the other way round, removed the dipstick and there was nothing on it, panicked, added oil, redipped and found there was way too much in it now !!!!!

I didn't know at the time how to check the oil level.

Pete.

Mike Noc · 12th January 2018, 09:58

Forgot to mention, if the oil level is high on the dipstick after cleaning and redipping it, then it could be a leaking seal on the front of the HP pump allowing diesel to get into the sump oil.

That can cause it to run away if the level gets high enough.

COLVERT · 12th January 2018, 20:38

Could be a worn turbo.---

steveharvey2001 · 12th January 2018, 20:42

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F142649561294

Bodywork looks great compare with my 'old heap' which is a tourer of the same colour.

I would be tempted to take it on and try to save it because it It was dead, I could cannabalise it for the doors and bumpers.

(That's what my wife calls mine)

steveharvey2001 · 12th January 2018, 20:49

The fact that they state that it was serviced shortly before the engine issue may be a clue.

Perhaps it was overfilled???

11th January 2018, 19:20	#1
oldie Loves to post Connoisseur SE v8 auto '54 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: West Sussex Posts: 489 Thanks: 105 Thanked 56 Times in 41 Posts	Dead, smoking-engined, diesel Probably almost impossible to diagnose on a forum; however, any input appreciated before I consider viewing a "dead" car. 2005 diesel, 115,000 miles, described thus: "...The engine was smoking and we were told by experts that it is something to do with the engine block/cylinders and that a new engine would be required..." I wondered if it was runaway. But the vendor's description is too measured, I think, had they been confronted with something as exciting as that.

12th January 2018, 20:42	#7
steveharvey2001 Loves to post Mini Cooper SE Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Worcester Posts: 369 Thanks: 39 Thanked 40 Times in 32 Posts	https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F142649561294 Bodywork looks great compare with my 'old heap' which is a tourer of the same colour. I would be tempted to take it on and try to save it because it It was dead, I could cannabalise it for the doors and bumpers. (That's what my wife calls mine) __________________ "How can one little insulated wire bring so much happiness?!" Homer J Simpson Last edited by steveharvey2001; 12th January 2018 at 20:53..

12th January 2018, 20:49	#8
steveharvey2001 Loves to post Mini Cooper SE Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Worcester Posts: 369 Thanks: 39 Thanked 40 Times in 32 Posts	The fact that they state that it was serviced shortly before the engine issue may be a clue. Perhaps it was overfilled??? __________________ "How can one little insulated wire bring so much happiness?!" Homer J Simpson

11th January 2018, 21:25	#3
Mike Noc This is my second home Rover 75 CDT Manual Connoisseur SE, Rover 75 CDT Automatic Connoisseur SE & a Freelander Td4. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,578 Thanks: 3,470 Thanked 3,119 Times in 2,247 Posts	Try checking the oil level before cranking the engine - if the level is high on the dipstick and then drops once you have wiped it clean and dipped it again that is another indication of a blocked PCV filter.

12th January 2018, 08:52	#4
pletevl Posted a thing or two rover 75 cdti(rhd), MG ZR(lhd), MG TF(lhd), MG TF(rhd), mini mpi (lhd), Renault megane III (awful) Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: East of France Posts: 1,282 Thanks: 124 Thanked 114 Times in 93 Posts	Mine was the other way round, removed the dipstick and there was nothing on it, panicked, added oil, redipped and found there was way too much in it now !!!!! I didn't know at the time how to check the oil level. Pete.

12th January 2018, 09:58	#5
Mike Noc This is my second home Rover 75 CDT Manual Connoisseur SE, Rover 75 CDT Automatic Connoisseur SE & a Freelander Td4. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,578 Thanks: 3,470 Thanked 3,119 Times in 2,247 Posts	Forgot to mention, if the oil level is high on the dipstick after cleaning and redipping it, then it could be a leaking seal on the front of the HP pump allowing diesel to get into the sump oil. That can cause it to run away if the level gets high enough.

12th January 2018, 20:38	#6
COLVERT This is my second home R75 Saloon. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: France/or Devon. Posts: 14,003 Thanks: 3,851 Thanked 2,167 Times in 1,816 Posts	Could be a worn turbo.---