Oil Overfill & Pale Blue Smoke on start Up?

Hi All
There may be threads already on this subject, so apologies if it has already been debated!
TD4 Manual 2003 with 130k

Issue:
Pale Blue/White Smoke on Start Up up only when Cold (Glow Plug Light on) none at all when warm including re-starting hot or during driving.
Smokes aonly for about 5 seconds after start up then 100% clear...
Runs very well, but have noticed a wobbly idle once first started?

History:
No Smoke of any cold when I test drove it, no visible engine leaks, the garage I bought it from did a full service including engine oil, and I have since replaced the Crankcase Breather for BMW Cyclone, replaced ALL Turbo Hoses and all 5mm Vacuum Hoses along with a new 'Turbo Boost Solenoid Valve'.. and EGR Bypass (Alisport)

So something that has changed has caused it too start smoking and introduce a 'wobbly idle'?

I have noticed that engine oil is at least 5-6mm above the max mark... which is probably increasing crankcase pressure, forcing excess oil into the inlet manifold, garage may have overfilled it, so will drain off the excess.
I did think Valve Stem Seals, but why did it not smoke when I first got it?

Doesn't burn oil at all, or leaks either. Runs very well otherwise good mpg and performance.

I am fitting a 'Synergy 2a' this week, but have held off until I diagnose the smoking
Any ideas?
Cheers

Also.... wondered about a dodgy glow plug or even a failing injector, but again why did it not do it when I test drove it?

Leaky injector dumping fuel into the crankcase?

jezzertd4 said:

but again why did it not do it when I test drove it?

Click to expand...

Did they know you were coming and warm up the car in advance?

Good point, may explain the uneven idle too, suspected a faulty injector, will do a leak test at the weekend.
Possible glow plugs, but too warm to be that, even in Scotland!
Car was cold when I went to test it... So doubt it? Well know garage in Perth with a decent reputation.......

A slight puff of blue when starting from cold isn't anything to worry about on an old higher mileage engine, providing there's no other issues. This is most likely down to hardened valve stem seals, failing to seal correctly.

A few mm over the oil level won't cause a problem.

The BMW cyclone crankcase filter does allow some oil mist to get onto the inlet tract, which can add to any oil the valve stem seals let past.

I don't recommend 5w30 oil in an older TD4 as it's just too thin. A quality 10w40 semi-synthetic or a 5w40 fully synthetic is a better oil to use.

The slight trembling from the engine when cold could be down to a glow plug, which could also be responsible for white smoke.

A slightly leaking injector can also cause white/ blue smoke on starting from cold and could cause the slight misfire.

Hi Nodge
Issue no2
Overall teh FL1 is in very good shape, Cairns Blue 5 door minimal scratches to the body, but will polish out.
Kalahari Spec, Air Con, Elec Sunroof, Half Leather Seats, Folding Mirrors, 17" Alloys with good tyres, AND everything works and it drives well (even Better when I get the Synergy 2a on!!)
So worth getting the tired mechanics up to spec... especially as I have already done the EGR, Silicon Hoses, TBCV and Inlet Manifold Hoses.
NO Three Amigos or Error Codes at all....

All makes sense... I'll get the oil changed for a good make of 5/40 Synthetic to be safe, the oil still looks 'black' and was allegedly only changed 6 weeks ago! (Ummmm) and topped up to the right level!
Someone else mention the glow plugs that would make sense if one or two were not heating up and as the ECU Increases fuel input from cold is possibly part diesel unburnt, not expensive so worth looking at.
May be the engine was partly warmed up when I test drove it?

Leak test next as I suspect 1 or 2 injectors could be dodgy.

Thanks for the advice.

hi jezzer243 ive just got another td4 (i must me mad) and got same thing on start up , noticed the smokey start up on viewing before sale and i fancy its a glow plug. im not gona worry about it too much tho plan is to do the renault 5 thermostat conversion because its running too cold (cant be helping to burn all the crap off everything), run till the tank is low and hoy some fuel additive in and blast the tits off it, it might help other areas as well.ill test the glow plugs insitu and if its not that the neighbors will just have to put up with the little bit smelly lane because it runs champion after the first few seconds

Me too, we also have a FL2 HSE Auto, brilliant motor, so makes the FL1 feel very dated.
I needed a decent 4wd (we live in Scotland) and having had 2 before I went for a 3rd one.
Not 100% sure if it was wise, but it was cheap. the wife moans more about the puff of smoke on start up, but even FL2 does a puff of somke as did my Hilux? Odd thing is the FL1 does not use ANY oil... I am leaning towards a dodgy glow plug or injector.
As with yours the FL1 idles perfectly, and is smooth enough.......
As is the case with diesels they need to be driven (and hard sometimes!) and everyday, mines getting better the more I use it?