Ford Mondeo 1800TD

[MaryDou]

Can anyone please help - this car has started to misbehave in that it is erratic in idle (absolutely fine when it can get a run) there is also a lot of blue smoke on start up and idle. Don't want to get rid of it and absolutely need it day to day.

[woodchopper]

The blue smoike on start up is caused by worn valve stem oil seals - if it were pumping out blue smoke continuously the cause would be worn piston rings.
Would probably fail the MOT on emmissions soon - would cost a few bob to rectify - if it is worth it ?

[MaryDou]

Thanks woodchopper - might in my case be worth spending "a few bob" - cheaper than replacing the car

[woodchopper]

Depends on what the car is worth - more likely to be several hundred pounds to repair.

[TIGGERLIT]

hi if its a automatic check the gearbox oil. if it is you need to check it while it is running and go through the gears while you are doing this, this is why the idle is all over the place. the reason i know is cos i bought a mondeo 2.5 v6 and had the same problem, if you ever want tips or help go on the mondeo web site, if it wasnt for them i wouldnt of known. its www.fordmondeo.org
you can leave messages and all sorts.
hope this helps thanks becki

[MaryDou]

Thanks Tiggerlit - it is a manual gearbox - but thanks for taking the time to offer advice

[MaryDou]

Tiggerlit - just to say - visited website as suggested and am extremely impressed - very many thanks