Astra turbo 1.0T issues

[bmwmike]

Hi

My autocorrect tried to correct Astra to Ashtray and I'm not sure it's that far off.

Here we have an Astra petrol 1.0T with under 20k and it's smoking badly on startup. Still under manufacturers warranty but wanted opinions. Uses no oil as far as I can tell. Dipstick hasn't moved from max in the 6 months we've had it.

The screen shot below is from a movie of a startup after standing overnight. The engine was being revved and there were probably 3 bursts like this then it settled. No smoke when hot, that I've noticed.

Is this burning oil or excess fuel? It does seem heavier on fuel than I'd expect. Seems awfully bad for such a young engine though.

Thanks
Mike

Edited by bmwmike on Wednesday 18th April 23:58

[stevieturbo]

Warning lights ? fault codes ? smells ?

Smoking hot or cold ?

But under warranty...it's their problem, get them to sort it. No way should it be smoking.

[bmwmike]

Doesn't smoke hot as far as I can tell. Only when cold and first started.

Doesn't use oil.

No warning lights and haven't checked codes yet but I'd expect MIL tbh.

No smells apart from the diesel like stench from the back when it's first started, if you are unlucky enough to be caught by the cloud of smoke.

[bmwmike]

According to a garage mate (MOT tester) a lot of cars are doing this nowadays. Something to do with the ECU dumping heaps of fuel in to get the cats etc warmed up pronto. Seems daft to me, belching out smoke like that? Can anyone confirm this, pls?

[stevieturbo]

I would highly doubt it, too much fuel would kill the cat, especially when cold ?

[bmwmike]

stevieturbo said:

I would highly doubt it, too much fuel would kill the cat, especially when cold ?

Exactly what I thought. Apparently the aim of the game is to get the cat as hot as possible as quickly as possible so it runs in closed loop (or open, I forget which way round it goes).

Edit to add link https://www.dropbox.com/s/co7uyl0us7z9f8x/20180417...

Edited by bmwmike on Wednesday 18th April 23:29

[cuprabob]

bmwmike said:

According to a garage mate (MOT tester) a lot of cars are doing this nowadays. Something to do with the ECU dumping heaps of fuel in to get the cats etc warmed up pronto. Seems daft to me, belching out smoke like that? Can anyone confirm this, pls?

The Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system pumps air into the exhaust on cold start for a short period of time under certain conditions to heat up the cats quicker to reduce emissions.

[bmwmike]

cuprabob said:

The Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system pumps air into the exhaust on cold start for a short period of time under certain conditions to heat up the cats quicker to reduce emissions.

Thanks. Would that explain the smoke, I posted a link above to a video of it.

[cuprabob]

bmwmike said:

cuprabob said:

The Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system pumps air into the exhaust on cold start for a short period of time under certain conditions to heat up the cats quicker to reduce emissions.

Thanks. Would that explain the smoke, I posted a link above to a video of it.

I've just realised your car is a diesel, As far as I'm aware SAI is only fitted to petrol engines.

Only time I get smoke out of my diesel is when the DPF is regenerating and it's white / grey but it won't be that on start up.

[bmwmike]

It's a petrol. Not a diesel. I specifically wouldn't buy a diesel, ever, because of crap like this coming out of the back..

Edit to add to be fair to diesels those fitted with DPF are not likely to be this bad.

Edited by bmwmike on Thursday 19th April 00:07

[cuprabob]

bmwmike said:

It's a petrol. Not a diesel. I specifically wouldn't buy a diesel, ever, because of crap like this coming out of the back..

I thought the 1.0T was a petrol, it was your reference to "diesel stench" that confused me

[bmwmike]

Ah sorry. My bad.

So what do you reckon ? Normal acceptable or fooked..I have it in with vauxhall dealer on Friday for a look. £55 if it's not a fault. I'll show them the video.

[bmwmike]

bmwmike said:

Exactly what I thought. Apparently the aim of the game is to get the cat as hot as possible as quickly as possible so it runs in closed loop (or open, I forget which way round it goes).

Edit to add link https://www.dropbox.com/s/co7uyl0us7z9f8x/20180417...

Edited by bmwmike on Wednesday 18th April 23:29

Vauxhall dealer is saying there are no codes so there must be no fault. I've asked Vauxhall for a comment directly.

Is this typical for a modern turbo direct injection petrol engine? Smoke like a 90's diesel?

Edited by bmwmike on Wednesday 25th April 11:05

[t400ble]

Wont last very long being revved like that from cold.

Any issues drop it into the dealer, it under warranty as you said.

[bmwmike]

t400ble said:

Wont last very long being revved like that from cold.

Any issues drop it into the dealer, it under warranty as you said.

I did, and all they seem to be able to do is plug in their computer.

[stevieturbo]

bmwmike said:

I did, and all they seem to be able to do is plug in their computer.

They're skill level must be improving then !!

[bmwmike]

stevieturbo said:

They're skill level must be improving then !!

Classic.