[Vwdiesel] Re: [vanagon] 82 diesel vanagon smokes more uphill - normal?

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/18/2002 8:01:24 AM Pacific Standard Time, tbil at yahoo.com 
writes:

> Used to be that the saying was that the only time a
>  diesel should smoke is when it is wide open or it is
>  out of tune.  With modern fuel systems today they shud
>  not smoke at all.

  Problem is that a diesel vanagon is not a "modern fuel system."  It's not 
even turbocharged, which tends to greatly reduce smoke.  Nearly all non 
TD's will smoke just while running down the road even.  To what degree 
depends on the condition and state of tune.  A TD will even waft a little 
just running down the road, although it's almost not noticeable.  Then 
you get into the modern stuff with the TDI and comperable technology 
and although they don't smoke much, most owners do notice a little 
puff at startup or hard acceleration.  
  Diesels are much better anymore but to imply a 20 year old Vanagon 
shouldn't smoke at all is just going to make the poor new owner feel 
more paranoid than he may already be.  ;-)
     Loren