What does the smoke color means in diesel car and petrol car?

  • #1
ruxy667
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0
Hi there, i just started to learn mechanic about few years ago and I wanted to know about car smoke color,

What does the smoke color means in disel car and petrol car, Black,Blue,Grey,White smoke color?
 
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  • #2
Have you tried 'googling' the question about exhaust smoke.
Could be some info there to flush out.

PS
Hi
 
  • #3
256bits said:
Have you tried 'googling' the question about exhaust smoke.
Could be some info there to flush out.

PS
Hi
Yes I did but not clear
 
  • #4
Welcome to PF.

Petrol Black, running rich, air filter blocked or carburettor faulty.
Petrol Blue, worn engine burning lubricating oil.
Petrol Grey, lean, insufficient fuel, or too much air, also check engine timing.
Petrol White, burning brake fluid sucked into manifold by faulty vacuum brake booster.

Diesel Black, partial combustion, blocked air filter. Too much fuel delivered to injectors, or injectors dribbling, not spraying, may be due to blocked fuel filter.
Diesel Blue, worn engine burning oil.
Diesel Grey, rare, turbo bearings maybe.
Diesel White, unburnt fuel, when failing to start in cold weather, or with poor compression.
 
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  • #5
Welcome! :smile:
Consider also that right after start up, when a healthy engine is cold, visible water vapor, and even water, could emanate from the exhaust pipe.
 
  • #6
Baluncore said:
Petrol White, burning brake fluid sucked into manifold by faulty vacuum brake booster.
Or burning coolant fluid because of a leaky head or manifold gasket, or a cracked cylinder head or engine block.
 
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  • #7
And by strange coincidence, this popped up in my Facebook feed today:

1704989725153.png

https://www.facebook.com/MechanicalEngineering1234
 
  • #8
Visible smoke indicates a problem, or a transient startup condition. Smoke colour alone cannot be relied upon, it is just another technique, used to confirm or confuse the diagnosis of a problem.

These days, new diesel engines perform more like petrol engines, while new petrol engines have injection issues, more like diesels. The problems are converging, as ICE technology struggles to improve, in a losing battle against EVs.
 
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  • #9
Even a perfectly good car will 'smoke' white - in a weather cold enough.

But in general, any smoke is just about 'trouble' these days.
 
  • #10
Rive said:
But in general, any smoke is just about 'trouble' these days.
And, with electric vehicles, even more so.
 
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  • #11
Also, what about catalytic convertors ? Until they get up to optimal temperature, they're going to be passing 'stuff'.

And, {cough} diesel engines with hacked 'engine controller', trading performance plus fumes for economy ?

Oh, and is the diesel's 'AdBlue' tank in need of re-fill ??
 

What does white smoke from a diesel or petrol car indicate?

White smoke from a diesel car often indicates that the fuel is not burning properly. This could be due to low engine temperature (often in cold weather), a faulty fuel injection system, or incorrect timing. In petrol cars, white smoke can also suggest coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, which may be due to a blown head gasket or a cracked engine block.

What does black smoke signify when emitted from diesel and petrol cars?

Black smoke from a diesel engine typically points to an imbalance in the air-to-fuel ratio – too much fuel and not enough air. This can be caused by issues like a dirty air filter, a malfunctioning fuel injector, or a problematic turbocharger. In petrol cars, black smoke can also indicate a rich fuel mixture, possibly due to a faulty injector, a bad oxygen sensor, or problems with the engine's electronic control unit (ECU).

What does blue smoke mean when coming from a diesel or petrol car?

Blue smoke from both diesel and petrol cars usually suggests oil burning in the combustion chamber. This could be due to worn-out engine components like valve seals, piston rings, or cylinder liners. It indicates that oil is leaking past where it normally should be contained and getting into areas where fuel combusts, which can damage the engine over time.

Is it normal for my car to emit a small amount of smoke upon startup?

A small amount of white or gray smoke on startup can be normal, especially in colder weather, as the engine warms up and any condensation in the exhaust system evaporates. However, persistent smoke or changes in the color of the smoke can indicate underlying problems that may need attention.

How can I diagnose and fix the cause of unusual smoke colors in my car?

To accurately diagnose and address the cause of unusual smoke emissions, it's advisable to consult with a professional mechanic. They can perform a series of checks, including engine diagnostics, checking the condition of the turbocharger (if applicable), inspecting the engine's internal components, and evaluating the exhaust system. Depending on the diagnosis, solutions might involve replacing faulty parts, repairing leaks, or adjusting the engine's air-to-fuel ratio.

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