Oily Smell - 1.8 Tdci

[PeterM]

This is my first post on here so.... hi :-)

I have a 2009 1.8 TDCi which I've owned since April. It's done about 48k now and runs absolutely perfectly.

Recently I've been noticing what I would describe as an "oily" smell sometimes coming in through the vents. It's not very strong but is noticeable. It's not there all the time and is more noticeable when stationary.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

[ChrisH]

Is it an actual oily smell or like diesel fumes? If its fume like, you probably have a failing or failed injector seal. Have a look around the injectors and the clamps. If they have black shiny stuff or a sticky residue around them, thats likely the cause. Happened to mine. Fix is easy, its a small copper seal, problem is it can be a pig of a job getting the injectors out.

[PeterM]

Well I'm not an expert when it comes to sniffing fumes but you might be right - more diesely. I can't see any obvious oil leaks anywhere and there are no drips reaching the ground. I'll have a look at the injectors anyway so thanks for that.

It's under warranty from Ford so I can always just take it in if it's not simple.

[FOCA]

Also check the engine crankcase breathers (hoses etc) for splits/ leaks

[PeterM]

It appears to be one of the injectors. One of them has got a little diesel paddling pool round it.

Thanks for the tips :)

[ChrisH]

i would be a little wary if its actual diesel. If its leaking from the injector seal, its usually seen as a black/shiny tar like substance, as the heat from the engine burns it onto the block around the injector. If its actual diesel, then your leakoff pipes may be leaking, or the unions on the injector pipes. I would take off the engine cover, and get someone to rev the engine, see if the leakoff pipes pop off a little. If not, hold your hand over each injector. If you can feel a puff of air, then the injector seal is leaking combustion gases past the injector.

[PeterM]

I looked more closely last night. There is black residue near the injector, indicating burnt-on fuel but there's a small pipe next to the injector which drips diesel from its connection when the engine is running. I don't know what a leakoff pipe is but it sounds like you could be right.

[ChrisH]

Sounds like you have a bit of both.... Its your leakoff pipe thats leaking diesel. Its likely the 'o' ring has perished, you can get a kit I think to replace the 'o' rings. Its a bit of a fiddly job, and the 'R' clip that retains the pipe can be a bugger to get off. When its off you will see 2 grooves in the plastic connector, the closest to the injector is for the 'O' ring that may or may not still be there (it may have disintigrated!!). The other is for the 'R' clip to sit into.

If you have some black residue as well, its likely that the injector seal itself is also starting to go. Easy job to do, pig of a job to get to. You need to remove the injector itself, and replace the copper seal on the end. The seal is Ford only, and cost me about £3.59 each.

Have fun!!!

[PeterM]

Thanks for that. I was thinking it could possibly be both too.

I shall have fun taking it into the dealer next week and letting them do it under warranty :)