Really the car smokes when I start it up and when it is under load. What I think I understand that it my be running too Rich with Fuel. Any tips and help would be great.

My first guess would be that you need new valve seals.

How's you mpg?

Stick your finger in the exhaust pipe (when it's cold) - get a big glob of soot, or just a little black on your finger?

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Black smoke means running too rich (plugs will be dark brown to sooty black as well, and it will stink). Blue smoke means bad valve guide seals, possibly valve guides worn out, depending on milage.

Most of those need a valve job in the 250,000 to 300,000 mile range, although they can go longer. The bottom end will only wear out of seriously overheated or abused (no oil for instance).

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Ok i suck my finger in the tail pipe and I got BLACK Soot that lined the tail pipe.
Well If I would repace the valve guide seals I should just replace the valve guides at the same time. The spark plugs were black too.

Should I try to do this my self or should i just let a local shop do it?

OOOHhh Its sorta blueish Smoke.....

blue is oil...how many miles on your 420?

If it's anywhere clost to 200 it's time for guides...seals are just a band-aid @ that point.

Also, has your timing chain etc been tended too?

Jonathan

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Jonathan Hodgman
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