At times, especially at night, it appears that my 1984 190D 2.2 is smoking under the hood. It's noticeable when waiting at a stop light. Also smells a little "burnt" when I get home after a long drive. It appears that the smoke is coming from this metal device next to the engine (See arrow). It could be that it's coming from below, but it's hard to see exactly where it originates.

It started happening a while back, and about the same time I noticed that the oil pressure would drop while waiting at a stop light. It only occurs when the engine gets warm.

Any ideas what might be causing this?

I attached a photo pointing to the smoke, but it's hard to see.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
_________________
1988 560 SEL
1984 190D 2.2 (Sold)

I would first check the oil level and replenish if necessary. After that, clean the engine bay out good, and report if you still have the smoking and the smell. That solved the problem on our 300SD, there was a little oil on the air cleaner housing making that smell and having smoke coming from under the hood.

__________________
'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

It's got oil, but I'll clean up a bit - perhaps that's all there is to it.

Thanks!

__________________
_________________
1988 560 SEL
1984 190D 2.2 (Sold)

Open the hood and watch it idle.

Look for puffs of smoke from drips onto hot exhaust manifold.