2.2Hdi smoking till warm...

[Citroen Surf Bus]

Hi Boffins, any ideas?

My 2.2 Hdi turbo Relay van always starts perfectly, but, except in warm weather, a few seconds later will belch pale smoke and lose power. This only tends to last for a minute or two, but is highly embarrassing!
I can generally clear it with a burst of acceleration, particularly uphill, but idling exacerbates it.
Only suggestion I've seen is a sticking tappet stopping a valve from closing.
Any expert opinion VERY welcome, folks. ( :

[ekjdm14]

I guess it could be a problem with the post-glow not working as it should , or perhaps a bit of air getting into the fuel overnight causing a momentary loss of injector pressure. unfortunately that (semi-educated guess) is all I can do without a Lexia session to see if there's any codes stored & maybe even then it might require looking at on a cold morning before it's been run.

If there was a sticking valve or tappet you would likely hear it as a loud clicking/tapping sound until it freed off.

Whereabouts are you, there may be someone nearby who could offer a diagnostic session. I'm in Cheshire but going by the username I would imagine you're a long way south west of us?

[Citroen Surf Bus]

Thanks!
Come to think of it - the initial tickover IS noticeably 'clackety'.
Any suggestions for unsticking a tappet? Oil change or that plus an additive? STP or something?
Seems a (cheapest first) best first step?

[Stickyfinger]

I used STP Valve lube in my V6 when I first got it, never used it again as it cured its "tick"
Fresh oil didn't, so I added it soon after and within 1/2 hour the tick had gone.

[Citroen Surf Bus]

Thanks, will give it a go. ( :

Sorry for slow reply, haven't found a way to get notifications of replies on here yet.

[Citroen Surf Bus]

Not sure if this is looked down upon, but I've had this problem for 3yrs now, and just wanted the refresh my thread incase the right person sees it this year!

My 2.2 Hdi turbo Relay van always STARTS perfectly but, except in warm weather, about ONE MINUTE later will bog down and SMOKE quite heavily. (Pale grey/white)

This only tends to last for a minute or two, but is highly embarrassing!

I can generally clear it with a burst of acceleration, particularly uphill, but idling exacerbates it.

Faulty temp sensor? Inlet/exhaust valve not closing?
Any expert opinion VERY welcome, folks. ( :