V-class 220CDI 1999

[Vito220CDI2000]

I have recently replaced cylinderhead on V-Class 220 CDI, model 1999 (due to dreaded stuck injector syndrome), which I did myself. Engine starts easily, v-belt a bit noisy until engine's wearmed up. I find the engine is in limp mode until normal operating temp (±80°C) is reached then limp mode disappears. Also, lots of white smoke when revving until engine at norm temp, then no more smoke, or very little. Van has been standing for about 6 months for me to sort cyl head, but I removed engine, cleaned turbo, EGR, inlet manifolds etc, checked all vacuum pipes, replaced glow plugs and injectors, tested glowplug relay with voltmeter, definitely working and can also hear it release after ±20 seconds.... She has ample pulling power... Any guidance to sort this will be very much appreciated.

PS. I have ordered some Forte online to flush the fuel system and injectors, but not sure this will sort the problem.

Another problem, the glowplug and EDC lights on the instr. cluster never comes on, even at ignition on. I've removed the cluster, opened it but cannot replace bulbs as both are LED on the PC board. Where does the glowplug and EDC get it's signal from so I can test it to see if it is just a cluster problem, or is it because of another fault. Many thanks

 

[Vito220CDI2000]

White smoke (diesel smell)

Hi, just a further note on the white smoke, it definitely smeel like unburnt diesel... Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Tony Russell]

Another problem, the glowplug and EDC lights on the instr. cluster never comes on, even at ignition on. I've removed the cluster, opened it but cannot replace bulbs as both are LED on the PC board. Where does the glowplug and EDC get it's signal from so I can test it to see if it is just a cluster problem, or is it because of another fault. Many thanks

Why do you not test the LED's by putting a voltage across them (start small - work up), or use a voltmeter to see if they are being supplied ?

Wierd as this might sound, try pulling the dipstick out and going for a run.
I found this stopped my 1.7 CDI smoking.

 

[Vito220CDI2000]

Thanks for your response Tony. I have tried by removing the crank vent hose from the air intake, makes no difference, apart from idling a little rougher. The smoke seems to me to definitely be unburnt diesel, the smell is almost unmistakeble (to my untrained olfactory). I've also checked the cooling system is not building up pressure, none that I could detect to date. At one time, there appear to be a clicking sound (sounds like a relay or switch) from under the dash at which stage the idling changed slightly. I have not run the motor extensively since the head re-fit, so will do so more over the next few days, but have had it running and idling for almost 3 hours, on and off, while checking all is sounding and running ok. No leaking injectors, or fuel lines, no air seems to be in fuel lines...

 

[Vito220CDI2000]

Tony, I still wanted to comment on the LED suggestion, it is very diffcult to get access to the PC board and LED's with the unit wired up to the electrical system and behind the steering wheel. Not impossible, but I would be more worried of accidentally shorting out some of the circuits...