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

In summary, the color of smoke emitted from diesel and petrol cars can indicate different issues with the engine. In diesel cars, blue smoke typically signifies oil burning, while black smoke indicates incomplete combustion due to excessive fuel. White smoke may suggest coolant leakage or cold engine operation. In petrol cars, blue smoke also indicates oil burning, black smoke suggests a rich fuel mixture, and white smoke can indicate coolant issues. Monitoring smoke color can help diagnose engine problems and maintain vehicle performance.
  • #1
ruxy667
2
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 ??
 

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

What does black smoke from a diesel car indicate?

Black smoke from a diesel car typically indicates incomplete combustion of fuel. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a clogged air filter, faulty fuel injectors, or a problem with the turbocharger. Addressing these issues can help restore proper combustion and reduce black smoke emissions.

What does white smoke from a diesel car mean?

White smoke from a diesel car usually indicates the presence of unburned fuel or coolant in the exhaust. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including a leaking head gasket, a cracked engine block, or faulty fuel injectors. It's important to diagnose and fix the underlying issue to prevent further engine damage.

What does blue smoke from a petrol car signify?

Blue smoke from a petrol car generally signifies that the engine is burning oil. This can be caused by worn piston rings, valve seals, or a damaged cylinder wall. Continuous burning of oil can lead to increased engine wear and should be addressed promptly to avoid more serious damage.

What does grey smoke from a diesel car indicate?

Grey smoke from a diesel car can be a sign of several issues, including excessive oil consumption, a malfunctioning turbocharger, or problems with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. Diagnosing the specific cause is crucial to resolving the issue and preventing further damage to the engine.

What does black smoke from a petrol car mean?

Black smoke from a petrol car indicates that the engine is running too rich, meaning there is too much fuel and not enough air in the combustion mixture. This can be caused by a malfunctioning fuel injector, a faulty oxygen sensor, or a clogged air filter. Addressing these issues can help restore the proper air-fuel balance and reduce black smoke emissions.

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