A Diesel Car Producing Black Smoke...why?

[Caladon]

I was following a mate who has a diesel car. We joined the motorway, accelerated hard up to about 80mph. All the way, and even holding 80mph his car was chucking out... not a lot, but some black smoke. We know that diesel engines are good at producing a lot of carbon... but what can be done about the constant black smoke? (someone told him that the carbon deposits can clog things up and that a good rev would clear it... but he does that a lot and doesn't help).
Any ideas?

Thanks,
Cal

[HWKE]

Probably one of the following:
Faulty injectors (injectors need attention at about 100.000 to 120 000 miles)
Faulty injector pump
Dirty air filter
Turbocharger or intercooler faulty
Problems within cylinder head, valves clogged up due to faulty EGR (exhaust gas recirculating unit)
The black smoke is because the fuel to air ratio is too high.

[HWKE]

If the oil was overfilled, the smoke would likely be blue. Also he says it's a constant problem.

[Mortartube]

HWKE is right. The easist thing to check first is the air filter. It may be clogged up and need replacement.

[Caladon]

Great, thanks, I will bill him for the answers lol

Cheers again

[tezestwing]

Hi Caldon If It is a 2000 Ford mondeo 1.8 TD and only smokes on acceleration and intermittently other times then the fuel solenoid is very suspect mine cost me � 170 fitted no probs now HTH Tez

[Caladon]

Ty Wing, but he has a Land Rover Freelander diesel... I think it is a 53 plate. But fuel solenoid... will pass it on, thanks!
By the way.. what does the solenoid do? lol

[LostSheep]

It might be a good idea to ask your question here -

http://www.landyzone.co.uk

This is a dedicated Land Rover forum.