S40 V40 Cars: 2004 V40 1.9D Gradual loss of power & smoking

[Dirty Diesel]

Good evening

I haven't posted here in a while, but as my V40 has decided to through out another problem, my return is eminent.

The matter at hand, is this: my V40 has slowly been losing power, not gutless, but noticeable, and is smoking what seems to be black smoke, with possibly a hint of blue from what I can tell.

Over the course of my ownership, I have replaced/repaired the following:

Cleaned EGR valve

Replaced MAF sensor

Replaced N75 Valve (Vacuum Control Solenoid)

Replaced Turbocharger

I've checked over the vacuum system, and all seems to be in order. Along with losing power, it doesn't seem to idle right either, it jumps around, usually dropping by up to 50RPM, it doesn't sound much, but I know somethings wrong, as it always idles spot on.

I've spoken with the user named Gatos about the matter, and all we could come up with was the injectors. Two of the injectors do seem to "click" more than the other two, when holding a screwdriver to either the top, or the metal base of, the injector, then listening to them through the screwdriver.

I must also mention that I do not have ready access to a diagnostic machine, but have used one recently, and no engine related codes were available, indicating nothing completely gone yet, or any electrical problems. Engine Management Light is also NOT present.

Could anyone shed any light on the matter? It's getting rather annoying, and I'm starting the wonder whether it'll pass it's MOT tomorrow.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks I'm advance

[dieselderv]

Unsure about v40 but on my many Saab 9-5s black smoke and poor performance were amongst other things down to a bellied out intercooler

[Dirty Diesel]

Originally Posted by dieselderv

Unsure about v40 but on my many Saab 9-5s black smoke and poor performance were amongst other things down to a bellied out intercooler

Funnily enough, I did have an issue with the top intercooler hose coming off a couple of times, but once tightened back down it hasn't been a problem.

I don't think it's there intercooler, as I'm still getting reasonable performance, but thanks for the reply! I'll double check to be sure, but I think it's okay

[AndyV7o]

Symptoms would suggest excess fuel or insufficient air, given the work that has been done. Lack of power would suggest lack of air more.
Have you tried removing inlet pipe to maf to see if it helps?
There could be a liss of boost somewhere.
Also have you rechecked egr to ensure it isnt sticking open etc?
Did you clean out the inlet manifold when egr done?

[clarkey1984]

Im unsure if diesels work the same, but when my t4 was being diagnosed a boost hose was removed to check something, and this gave a rough idle and lots of black smoke, as the fuel air ratio the engine is trying to maintain with the boost hose not connected is thrown way out of whack, it still sticks in the right amount of fuel but isn't receiving the amount air its expecting, so its conceivable that a boost leak would produce similar symptoms but on a lesser scale maybe?

[AndyV7o]

Originally Posted by clarkey1984

Im unsure if diesels work the same, but when my t4 was being diagnosed a boost hose was removed to check something, and this gave a rough idle and lots of black smoke, as the fuel air ratio the engine is trying to maintain with the boost hose not connected is thrown way out of whack, it still sticks in the right amount of fuel but isn't receiving the amount air its expecting, so its conceivable that a boost leak would produce similar symptoms but on a lesser scale maybe?

Yep. Worse for diesel as they work with full air all the time, only the fuel is adjusted. So, as you say, lack of air would produce smoke and power loss. Overfuelling on a diesel is more likely to just make it go like stink.