White Smoke From Escort Van? Help

[escort van]

got a ford escot van 55 w reg,67000 miles and when the exhaust system gets hot after about 40 mins of driving white smoke comes out and today sparks and small flames too, any ideas. there is also black soot in the tip of the exhaust.

[jeebowhite]

got a ford escot van 55 w reg,67000 miles and when the exhaust system gets hot after about 40 mins of driving white smoke comes out and today sparks and small flames too, any ideas. there is also black soot in the tip of the exhaust.

Sounds like a cat problem? I suspect that this is down to a clogged filter, too much heat is being generated, and maybe some friction in their is igniting the gas? When was the Cat last changed?

[escort van]

not sure not had it long there are no receipts saying its been changed, and it looks like its been there for a while. just to let u no the van drives brilliant, no heating problems or leaks. apart from the smoke

cheers

[jeebowhite]

not sure not had it long there are no receipts saying its been changed, and it looks like its been there for a while. just to let u no the van drives brilliant, no heating problems or leaks. apart from the smoke

cheers

Could be that the cat needs replacing, but then again I would have expected darker smoke, however it could be more water vapour - when was the van MOT'd? the emissions test will be the best clarification on this? can you take it to an MOT tester and ask them to check the emissions?

Other than that, white smoke can be down to any of a few things: take a look at http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_can_cause_white_smoke_from_the_exhaust for some more suggestions!

blue smoke tends to be oil being burned, and possibly engine issues.

dark black smoke, tends to be too much fuel being thrown out, and potentially exhaust problems

apparently white smoke can indicate a failing PCV valve, or burning antifreeze? I know too much water vapour can also be the cause.