Plumes of white smoke and hard to start

This is the Forum for all your Peugeot Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.

Moderator: RichardW

Post Reply
gordie303
Posts: 15
Joined: 20 Feb 2020, 18:55
Location: Sheffield
My Cars: Peugeot Boxer 2.2

Plumes of white smoke and hard to start

Post by gordie303 »

I bought a 2010 boxer 2.2 xlwb 2 weeks ago and have had nothing but hassle.
First the dealer had put in a "new" battery that would only just start a fiat 500 so he brought me a bigger battery that "was in good nick" this went from fully charged to under 10v in less that an hour (never even got it in the van)
So I shelled out for new battery but its a bugger to start and when it does ( sometimes by jump starting of my neighbour) it belches out white smoke that smells like diesel for a few seconds.

Neighbour suggested glow plugs are at fault, is worth getting a set?
User avatar
white exec
Moderating Team
Posts: 7445
Joined: 21 Dec 2015, 12:46
Location: Sayalonga, Malaga, Spain
My Cars: 1996 XM 2.5TD Exclusive hatch RHD
1992 BX19D Millesime hatch LHD
previously 1989 BX19RD, 1998 ZX 1.9D auto, 2001 Xantia 1.8i auto
and lots of Rovers before that: 1935 Ten, 1947 Sixteen, 1960 P5 3-litre, 1966 P6 2000, 1972 P6 2000TC, and 1975 P6B 3500S
x 1752

Re: Plumes of white smoke and hard to start

Post by white exec »

The white smoke will be unburnt fuel, which gets blown out when the engine finally fires up, probably after a good bit of cranking.
Before replacing the GPs, check that they are getting at least 11v delivered to them - cleck with a meter on the cable/rail that links them. If nothing much there, check on the two heavy-duty terminals on the GP relay. One will go directly to batt+, the other goes to the GPs and will become live when the relay closes.
With a cold engine, GPs should be pre-heating for around 15 secs (maybe more) before trying to start, and up to 3 mins (in very cold conditions) after starting.
If engine always starts OK when warmed up, this likely confirms the GPs are at fault.
On a diesel, a good battery is essential for both GP action (each GP should take 9-10 amps) and cranking.

Also check the main battery connections. If they get at all warm while trying to crank/cranking, that suggests a bad connection there. If they are old lead (Pb) lumps, replace them with new brass ones, having cut the old ones off, and thoroughly cleaned up the copper strands.

Do post your VIN number (which will appear masked), to help with anything further.
Chris
gordie303
Posts: 15
Joined: 20 Feb 2020, 18:55
Location: Sheffield
My Cars: Peugeot Boxer 2.2

Re: Plumes of white smoke and hard to start

Post by gordie303 »

Thank you Chris, Hopefully I wont become too much of a pain with my questions.
User avatar
white exec
Moderating Team
Posts: 7445
Joined: 21 Dec 2015, 12:46
Location: Sayalonga, Malaga, Spain
My Cars: 1996 XM 2.5TD Exclusive hatch RHD
1992 BX19D Millesime hatch LHD
previously 1989 BX19RD, 1998 ZX 1.9D auto, 2001 Xantia 1.8i auto
and lots of Rovers before that: 1935 Ten, 1947 Sixteen, 1960 P5 3-litre, 1966 P6 2000, 1972 P6 2000TC, and 1975 P6B 3500S
x 1752

Re: Plumes of white smoke and hard to start

Post by white exec »

No risk of that! :wink:
Chris
Post Reply