Not an uncommon issue with vans of this age, especially given emissions standards were a lot less demanding 20 years ago. Recent advances with EGR valves, Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and AdBlue exhaust emissions fluids do not apply to this engine. I’m sure at the time of design some of these features had not even been thought of .
The issue we had with Bertha was slightly more niche. It took a certain amount of research to get to the bottom of. As such, we are sharing our experience and learning to help others.
The engine in Bertha is the Fiat Ducato 120 Multijet. This engine was around for many years and the knowledge gained applies to engines made from 2006 to 2010
The challenge we had was fuel was leaking past the seals at idle and ending up unburnt. Consequently, as soon as Bertha revved up after idling a cloud of black smoke would be emitted from all the unburnt diesel being expelled.
The Solution
You would be right in thinking the mechanical solution for this sounds expensive. However, from watching YouTube channels I became aware of the options presented by various ‘mechanic in a can’ solutions.
I wouldn’t ordinarily be a massive fan of these, however every review I read for Liqui Moly products was very positive. I also spoke with a couple of time served mechanics who were also willing to vouch for their products.
The solution for Bertha was “LIQUI MOLY Motor Oil Saver” available to buy on Amazon via the link. This product you can pour straight into your engine oil and it will go to work for you. To achieve maximum results the product needs to be in the engine for around 800km.
You will obviously need to make sure you have space in the engine to accept it. And, of course make sure it doesn’t put your dipstick above the max line. I have to drain a bit of oil out so I could add the can of product. A 300ml can treats up to 5 litres of oil in either petrol or diesel engines.
This product is designed to regenerate both rubber and plastic engine seals such as shaft seals and valve stem seals. It also works away to reduce any engine noise and improve your engine oil consumption through piston rings and valve guides.
The results
I have to say the results of using this have been very impressive. The product is true to it’s word when it claims it will stop smoking.
Now, lets not forget this is an old high mileage van we are talking about, so it was never going to stop it completely. However, the results have been very impressive and and the problem is now only a small fraction of what it was. Certainly Bertha is no longer an embarrassment when you rev her after idling. Previously it looked like you were single handedly trying to smoke people out.