I've noticed an issue with my 09 1.6 TDCI - when starting after a cold/wet night, the exhaust will blast out white/blue grey smoke. My first thought when I saw it was slightly blue was oil being burnt, but oil levels don't appear to be going down.

The blast of smoke is generally accompanied by a rough idle. Both the rough idle and smoke are gone after a quick blast above 2000rpm.

More details on car:

Doesn't have a DPF. Has EGR, not blanked (though I've been considering it). I've only been using shell regular diesel and the occasional tank of vpower. No DTC's (checked last night)

Any ideas?

Blue smoke is oil being burnt & white smoke is unburnt diesel vaporising on the hot exhaust system

A tiny amount of oil being burnt will cause blue smoke & may not be noticeable in the oil level for a while

Blanking the EGRV would be a good idea

What's the mileage ?

Just hit 64k. I've owned the car since 57k

Are you sure the car has no DPF ?

I'm fairly sure the DPF was introduced in March 2010, I'll check etis now though.

No sign of DPF in etis

Some Fords had DPF's as early as 2006.

In any case that shouldn't be causing your issues, blanking the EGRV would be my first & cheapest thing to do @ around £5

A puff of blue smoke isn't unusual on higher mileage diesel engine cold starts, but it's just a puff, white smoke on the other hand is indicative of unburnt diesel, the cause of which could be a little more serious

Are you sure it's white smoke & not vapour ?

Vapour from the exhaust is more noticeable on cold days due to the difference in the exhaust & ambient temperatures

Its possible - though it does smell strongly which made me think it might be a problem. I'll get a video of the smoke up tonight and post it here

When was the car last serviced ?

Especially the fuel filter - as that could be the culprit

Thanks for all the replies :)

Last serviced Nov 2014 (by Arnold Shark though before I bought the car, so I'm doubtful of how good a job they did)

I'll have a look at the filter this weekend.

Arnold Shark - say no more

I'd change the fuel filter & blank the EGRV to start with & see if there's a difference & then go from there if there isn't

Had a quick Google, looks like a bigger job than checking the air filter. I might have to just have the garage look at it next service, I'm quite new to tinkering with the car :(

EGR should be easy enough though, will call insurance to be on safe side though.