MB newbie needs advice

[xf8u39]

H all,

I have introduced myself in the new member section.

Ok, so I have recently bought a 2005 CLK270 diesel auto with which I am very pleased.

Now, for £2k less £500 for my old car I expext to have to spend some money on it.

I've no idea when the last oil change occurred, so I will need to order 6.5 litres of low ash.

The engine does not warm up to normal operating temperature, so a new thermostat is in order.

When driving normally at 30 or 60 on motorway there is no visible smoke. As soon as I put my foot down (even half way) there is a lot of smoke.
Let's face it, all diesels smoke. I am wanting to reduce it to a minimum. Could it be that it has been chipped for more power by some previous owner? If so, how do I find out?

I am wanting to give the engine/transimssion a clean bill of health and especially reduce the smoke. I'm not sure why it smokes this much. Could it be a blocked EGR, fuel/air filter or worse still a DPF issue? At this point I am not sure.

I have watched a few Youtube videos before posting this, so I know what I'm up against. Thermostat and EGR clean/replace do not look that difficult for competent mechanic like me. Failing that I have no idea why it smokes so much.
There are no warning lights on dash.

Sorry for all the questions, but I need to get this sorted quick time.

Rgds

Michael

 

[markjay]

Welcome.


This is the list of service items that I would replace when acquiring a car with unknown service history:

- Engine oil (if your car is equipped with DPF, then the oil must be MB229.51 or better-still MB239.52. For cars without DPF, MB229.5 is recommended) and filter

- Air filter

- Fuel filter

- Cabin/Pollen/Dust filter

- ATF and filter (if automatic)

- Brake fluid

- Coolant


What I would check (among other things) is:

- Brake lines for corrosion

- Leaks from rear diff and drive shafts

- Leaks from pilot bush (that's the electrical connector for the automatic transmission)


I would also recommend use of injectors cleaner, I.e. Redex/Millers/Forte/BK44K, or just by filling up with premium Diesel e.g. BP Ultimare, Esso Supreme , Shell V-Power etc

 

[W1ghty]

As you say new thermostat straight away .
What colour is the smoke out the back ?
Maybe get the car scanned for fault codes as well .

 

[davymead]

First thing for me would be to have the car plugged in to see if there are any nasty things happening. Any decent local Independent garage will oblige and for me, money well spent.

 

[Stratman]

When changing the thermostat be very careful of the plastic fuel lines that run close by. They become very brittle with age and can easily crack when moved. As their seals can also leak without provocation it might be prudent to change lines and seals as well.

 

[Madmac666]

Could the smoke be the ECU seeing the engine running colder and overfuelling?