Volvo 2003 diesel question

[Russian007]

She runs like a charm and no black smoke but after a few hours of operation the engine housing has a light dusting of what looks like exhaust soot. Is this normal? the air filtration is minimal, just seems like filtered or fresh air would be better than air with a little soot in it. I was not able to detect an exhaust leak.

[davil]

Originally Posted by Russian007

She runs like a charm and no black smoke but after a few hours of operation the engine housing has a light dusting of what looks like exhaust soot. Is this normal? the air filtration is minimal, just seems like filtered or fresh air would be better than air with a little soot in it. I was not able to detect an exhaust leak.

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have you checked the belt?
just finished cleaning my engine, was covered with black dust and eventually traced it to the belt loose and spinning wearing the belt!
kind of a warning sign.

[FPNC]

Replace the belt.

[jamhass]

And check pulley alignment

[Russian007]

Never thought of that. Thanks.

[Celestialsailor]

Not only the alignment but also the correct belt. Some have different geometry.

[sandy stone]

You didn't say, can you smell exhaust gases in the engine compartment? My 2003 developed a leak where one of the injectors seated in the copper sleeve in the head. If you do smell exhaust, try holding your hand over the injectors when the engine is running. If there is a leak, you probably will be able to feel it.

[Celestialsailor]

I'm wondering with a leaky injector, why you would smell exhaust?

[HeywoodJ]

+1 for checking the belt as first step. Also check the pulleys for rust. A light coating of rust can chew belts quickly. If you’re very careful you can polish them up while running with the old belt on, then change the belt (if it has dusted enough that you have noticed dusting a couple of times it needs changing, not just tightening).

[sandy stone]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

I'm wondering with a leaky injector, why you would smell exhaust?

It's not a question of diesel leaking from the injector itself, but compression (exhaust gases) leaking from the copper seal where the injector is fitted into the head.