harperb

Hi All,

I recently purchased an '05 CDI, and, upon moderate to hard acceleration, it produces a massive cloud of "standard" looking diesel smoke. Is that common for these cars? I thought the newer diesels didn't do that. It's due for service now, and i'll ask them to look at it, but I wasn't sure if that was normal or not.

--Ben

Untertürkheim

That's not normal at all. If you see smoke at all, there is a malfunction. Don't let the dealership tell you any differently.

harperb

One other thing - I had heard that the CDIs didn't have particulate filters, since we were using diesel with a high sulfur content up until late last year. Is that the case? Is it possible to add a particulate filter now that we are using modern diesel? How would that be done? Has anyone gone that route?

traumatic

My '05 will leave smoke under full throttle acceleration. Previous posts by others suggest that this is normal. I've never seen it in my or others' cars during light or moderate acceleration.

CE750

One of the things I brag about always is how smokeless my '05 CDI is.. sure, when you floor it you get a small puff out of each pipe, but nothing like on the older Diesels.. Take it it, it might be burning oil or have some timing problems..

Please let us know what you learn.

Alan Smithee

It is normal. The CDI will blow out a puff of visible exhaust under hard acceleration; I notice it especially after it has been driven conservatively for a while.

frogstaple

I agree. If you’ve been chugging around at low RPMs, a good stab at the throttle will produce a nice little puff out the backside. I’ve also noticed that the exhaust tips downward angle tends to kick up a lot of dust on dirty sections of road when you floor it, especially intersections. I wouldn’t waste time or money taking it to the dealer. Just clear its pipes by flooring it on an on-ramp once or twice a week.

jimbo1mcm

I usually notice this when I am leaving a toll booth and beating everyone to the outside lane.

harperb

Haha, right on! I've had that happen as well. Took the car to the dealer today for service, and she said that it was normal under hard acceleration.

Untertürkheim

LOL, I never drive slowly, maybe that's why I never see smoke. Keeps my pipes clean.