A little background on myself. I am a Engineering Manager working for one of the worlds largest Diesel Engine Manufacturers for the last 29 years. The Fiat / Alfa group lead the way (in my view) in diesel engine technology when it comes to car powered performance. I have had Alfas for years, however, due to a recent divorce finance is a little low so it’s the next best thing – a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Common platform parts
http://i.fiatcdn.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif…..Alfa on a budget.
http://i.fiatcdn.com/images/smilies/smile.gifI have read the Fiat Workshop manual to try and understand how this engine works, and I must say that it is very complicated. The engine relies on electronic management as with any modern petrol variant. The fuel injectors inject fuel into the cylinder a total of 5 times over one cycle, 2 before TDC 1 at TDC and 2 post TDC. This is controlled via sensors around the engine reading various conditions.
So for blue smoke at start up there are two possibilities, oil getting into the cylinder, inlet or exhaust system (you only need a few drops), or to much fuel. Normally this is seen as black or grey smoke. However, diesel is oil so it can cause blue smoke in some conditions.
Possible cause for oil would be:
1- Inlet and exhaust valve oil seals.
2- Crankcase oil vapour recalculation system. I believe that this takes the vapour as a gas and terminates it into the turbocharger air intake. Possibly the gas is condensing as its approaches the turbo.
3- Possible wrong spec engine oil. This has been eliminated, refer to the thread listed earlier.
4- Turbocharger worn bushes or seals.
Fuel possibilities:
1- Mass Air Flow Meter. This reads (amongst other things) the air temp entering into the turbo which alters the amount of fuel injected into the engine.
2- Inlet Manifold intake air temperature and excess pressure sensor. This again measures the air temp entering the cylinder and adjusts the amount of fuel being injected.
3- Injectors hosing or dribbling. This gives incorrect spray pattern and incomplete combustion.
4- Coolant temp sensor. Works as 1 and 2.
My dealer has contacted Fiat UK who are sending a Technician to look at my car
http://i.fiatcdn.com/images/smilies/worship.gif, I have asked to be present and they have agreed. I would appreciate anyone who has this problem to post your engine number so that we can get an understanding if there is a manufacturing problem associated around a build date. Although, I dont understand how Fiat build their engines, i.e. all down the same line or they mix the types up.
My engine number is: 50xx390
Car registered Nov 2006.
I am the 2nd owner, for circa 3 mths.
