I have a 2010 TDI with 285,000 miles on it. Recently, white smoke has come out of the tailpipes upon hard acceleration. It doesn't happen all the time. The last time it happened, there was an engine vibration too. It clears up in a matter of seconds. Also, it recently happened upon start up after sitting all night. Again, it is intermittent, but seems to be happening more frequently lately. I do alot of highway driving. On a recent 1200 mile trip over a 5 day period, it occurred 3 times. Any thoughts?

White smoke occurs when raw diesel comes through the exhaust completely intact and unburned.

-Faulty or damaged fuel injectors
-Low cylinder compression (eg caused by piston ring sticking, cylinder and/or ring wear, or cylinder glaze)

My guess would be fuel injector given the mile on the vehicle and that you have not mentioned performance issues that would also be a symptom of low compression.

The other cause of white smoke can be water entering but you have not mentioned the engine using coolant?


If you don't do it already get some reputable concentrated fuel injector cleaner and run that for 5-6 tanks and see if that helps.

regards
Drag

 

Regen possibly? That is what comes to my mind, but I have never seen it on mine ever.

 

Yes I thought that as the 2010 V6 would be using a fuel based regen method not adblue but the system would not activate a regen on startup like the op mentioned ?

regards
Drag

 

Thanks, Drag. I will begin doing that tomorrow. And, I hope you're right.

 

Thanks, Drag. I will begin doing that tomorrow.

 

With 285,000 mi seeing a worn injector or two would not be out of line. If you live near a shop that specializes in injector and pump service pull the injectors and take them in to be tested for spray pattern and leakage. Most shops test them for free if they get to rebuild yours if that is required.

 

I'm stuck at........2010 V6 TDI with 285,000 miles...........I SALUTE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

X2!!!

Houston to Major DPhelps...get those injectors cleaned and you are go for the rest of your return flight to earth!

 

Spectacular 285000 miles!!

Just make sure you are ruling out the simple things like the source of your fuel. Are you using different brands? Does it do this with the VW recommended Standyne performance fuel additive for the injectors?

Finally. Has your 2010 been relative trouble free?


Thank you for sharing this!

 

thats close to or over 60,000 miles a year, or 165 miles every day for 5 years... EVERY DAY.... wow
why only 6 posts total? probably too busy driving

 

Thanks for all the advice. I'll try cleaning the injectors first.

 

Mtnpass-
Due to my driving, I do use multiple brands. I thought at one time that I just got a bad tank until this last trip.
The car was amazing through 220,000 miles. Heck, I know most won't believe this, but i didn't have to replace the factory brakes until 170,000 miles. But I did have to replace the exhaust due to my stupidity. I was trying to save money on oil changes and am pretty sure the place I used for about 5 oil changes did not use the low carbon oil recommended by VW. So saving $250 for 5 oil changes cost me $4000 to replace diesel particulate filter and catalytic converter. The rest has all been normal maintenance.
My wife has a ML350 Benz, and the Touareg is a much better riding and driving vehicle. I will buy another Touareg in the future--I just hope it's in the far future.

 

Mtnpass- Due to my driving, I do use multiple brands. I thought at one time that I just got a bad tank until this last trip. The car was amazing through 220,000 miles. Heck, I know most won't believe this, but i didn't have to replace the factory brakes until 170,000 miles. But I did have to replace the exhaust due to my stupidity. I was trying to save money on oil changes and am pretty sure the place I used for about 5 oil changes did not use the low carbon oil recommended by VW. So saving $250 for 5 oil changes cost me $4000 to replace diesel particulate filter and catalytic converter. The rest has all been normal maintenance. My wife has a ML350 Benz, and the Touareg is a much better riding and driving vehicle. I will buy another Touareg in the future--I just hope it's in the far future.

If it makes you feel better the DPF is an item that is expected to be replaced at about 120000 miles according to VW.

 

With your milage, it must be dominated by highway runs, where TDIs rule and also keeps it so well exercised. So, yes brake life would be extended.

And I'd also reckon that you're a smooth driver, warm up and cool down your rig, and exhibit a habitual preventative regime...

Well done Mr. Phelps!