Black smoke when accelerating OM647

[sprinterphill]

After my first post about what sprinter to buy I finally settled on a 2004 2.7 118". I had it checked out by a Sprinter specialist here in South Florida and it has a few issues I am resolving.
One thing I would like a second opinion on is I am having a hard time with it blowing black smoke when the accelerator is pushed hard. This smoke will continue until I ease of the gas. If I drive slowly and allow the revs to pick up slowing not much smoke but stomp on it and the cyclist behind me is flipping me off, rightly so.
I was told it may be a sticky EGR valve and to remove it and clean it out. I also do have an engine light on and the code said it was to do with the oxygen sensor. Besides the smoking the engine runs great with good acceleration and seems to runs pretty smoothly. I am however no expert on how it should run.
Does anyone know what it might be? What should I tackle first to eliminate the black smoke?
All suggestions appreciated.
Phill

 

[NelsonSprinter]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Black smoke is usually the turbo being turned off by the ECU for many reasons, but that results in poor acceleration and black smoke.
Just black smoke may be the O2 sensor, dirty MAF sensor or over fuelling injectors, or stuck EGR

 

[220629]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

I had a 2004 O2 sensor which would occasionally trigger related DTC's. I would notice smoke with hard acceleration up freeway ramps. There were no other symptoms. After replacing the O2 sensor with a Bosch unit the smoke during hard acceleration went away.

Before doing anything else I would first replace the O2 sensor, but there could also be other problems.

vic

 

[sprinterphill]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Thanks for that input. SO to start with cleaning the ECU value would make sense. I did attempt to remove the ECR the other day but decided to wait. After removing the three star bolts with a star socket I expected the unit to come loose. It was still tight in place. dDoes it just need a few taps to loosen up or do the other two star screws still hold the unit in?

 

[220629]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Thanks for that input. SO to start with cleaning the ECU value would make sense. I did attempt to remove the ECR the other day but decided to wait. After removing the three star bolts with a star socket I expected the unit to come loose. It was still tight in place. dDoes it just need a few taps to loosen up or do the other two star screws still hold the unit in?

The EGR can be difficult to remove. Re-install those fasteners and get a Bosch O2 sensor to install.

vic

 

[sprinterphill]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Ordered the bosch O2 sensor today, hope to have it in by Friday. Hopefully this is what the problem is. Thanks for the advice I will let you know the result.

 

[Patrick of M]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Get a scanner and dig in. The Oxy sensor will throw a code if just the pre heat function is dead, even though the oxy sensor still works once warm. Obviously you should change it, but it may not be what ails you. Black smoke is often over fuel/under compression of inlet air, best way to find out, monitor live data. Get a scanner and dig in.

 

[sprinterphill]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Get a scanner and dig in. The Oxy sensor will throw a code if just the pre heat function is dead, even though the oxy sensor still works once warm. Obviously you should change it, but it may not be what ails you. Black smoke is often over fuel/under compression of inlet air, best way to find out, monitor live data. Get a scanner and dig in.

I have not used scanners too much, mainly just to get initial problem code. What sort of scanner would I be able to monitor the data "live"? Does this mean I would be able to see the issue play out in real time. What would be a good scanner to monitor my sprinter. Thx Phill

 

[220629]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Having a Sprinter specific scan tool which has a live data function can have advantages, At this point I wouldn't get too much ahead of yourself yet. You have smoke on acceleration. You have an O2 sensor related DTC. The O2 sensor is one of the components which is directly involved with controlling air/fuel mixture. Replace the sensor and go from there.

vic

 

[Patrick of M]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

I have not used scanners too much, mainly just to get initial problem code. What sort of scanner would I be able to monitor the data "live"? Does this mean I would be able to see the issue play out in real time. What would be a good scanner to monitor my sprinter. Thx Phill

There are a bunch of scanners that will do this. It is important that you don’t just buy any scanner as MB has some tricks that not all scanners can do.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=205

That is the scanner forum.
If you want the least expensive comprehensive one, I think the AP200 which is a smartphone app and dongle. I’m not sure about the AP200 ability to do live data. Personally if in the market for a scanner I would get the 808pro (all systems/I presume it’s is only all systems), but that is because I have been using Autel scanners for over a decade on a bunch of different vehicles and I am familiar with them.
Definitely get a scanner though, it changes modern vehicle ownership from being a dark art into a mildly complicated puzzle.
You will also be able to read the oxy sensor output so will know immediately whether it is the culprit in your black smoke.
FYI many black smoke issues are simply leaks/tears/loose clamps/cracked resonator In the charge air system (hoses from turbo to intercooler to intake).
As I wrote above, you need a new oxy sensor so do that as well, but you might as well get a scanner because you will need one.

 

[MillionMileSprinter]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

I second Vic. You know you have an O2 error code. The OW sensor directly effects the fuel air mixture. Also, when the O2 sensor fails, the ECU often goes into a safe mode and substitutes a signal from it that allows the van to run well under -most- circumstances, but certain situations, like heavy acceleration, can cause black smoke like you are describing.
For diesel engines, it's always safer for the life of the engine to turn up the fuel than to turn up the turbo. Too lean (more air than fuel) and damage is caused to the piston heads. Too rich (more fuel than air) and the engine just pumps out the excess, partially burnt fuel as black smoke.
This is why the "safe mode" tends to richen up the mixture. It's literally safer for the engine.

 

[sprinterphill]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Patrick
I looked up the Autel AP200 OBD2 Scanner Code Reader with Full Systems Diagnoses and it claims it does live data as well as an O2 sensor test. For the money this certainly looks like a good option. It is for just one vehicle but others can be added. I assume data can be stored and compared at a later date with something like this.

 

[sprinterphill]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Thanks for that description regarding the O2 sensor. Makes sense as I do have the O2 code error. Also I did not realize these older 2.7L went into a safe mode. I am going to go ahead and get a code reader to diagnose and reset codes to give me a better idea of what is going on with my sprinter 118 van.

 

[sprinterphill]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

I just posted this in a separate thread. If anyone has any ideas , would much appreciate it.

Ok so set set myself up to replace and O2 Sensor and clear the engine light code. In a previous post I posted regarding a black smoke issue the Autel AP 200 was recommended.

I installed the Autel software on my phone went through all the set up etc - when I enter the VIN it told me my model was not supported! I downloaded the Benz-Sprinter data but does not recognize my model a 2004 2500 Dodge 118 2.7 sprinter. Any ideas why I am unable to get the Autel AP 200 to work with my model?

I called support and they are only open on Monday. I was trying to get this resolved today.

Thanks in advance
Phill

 

[220629]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

I just posted this in a separate thread. If anyone has any ideas , would much appreciate it.

.

This won't answer your question.

As long as the proper replacement O2 sensor was installed there is no reason to access the ECM aka ECU or even clear the O2 related DTC(s). The ECM will accept the new properly operating O2 sensor and operate correctly. After a number of drive cycles with all being well, the MIL aka CEL dash warning will [eventually] clear itself. The DTC(s) will remain in history unless cleared.

vic

 

[sprinterphill]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

VIc
Thanks for the prompt reply. So replacing the O2 sensor if it is the issue the engine light will cancel itself automatically?

Also I was able to get this out of the reader. however still not sure if my problem is the oxygen sensor.

Description
P0030 HO2S heater control circuit bank 1 sensor 1.
Possible causes
Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit open or shorted to ground
Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection
Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit fuse blown
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

 

[sprinterphill]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Ok so I am pleased to say that solved the smoke issue.
It had me guessing after first replacing the o2 sensor as it kept on smoking and engine light stayed on. However after a while and many start ups the light cleared and the smoke cleared up. If I gun it now from a standstill I do see a little bit of smoke bit nothing like it was.

Thanks to all who helped get this sorted out for me. All I need to do now is start racking up that million miles!

Cheers Phill

 

[VanIsle1975]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

hey guys...had same situation...black smoke then billowing smoke...EGR was stuck...take the cover off..no need to completely remove it....on my 03 T1N theres four bolts...but I just removed intakehose n cover...hit it with iso at which I needed a screw driver to move...kept sprayn and turning mechanism until it would move by hand and the spring would engaged...don't it 3 times since...haven't changed egr valve so far...thnx

 

[anon7]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Have same issue, Theres two O2 sensors. I replaced the one going INTO the turbo. No real change. Still smoking. Do I need to replace the second one as well? I've read that there's only two O2 sensors, and I've read there's 4. Which is correct?
Also see my addition to the "whats this hose" thread.

 

[anon7]

Re: Black smoke when accelerating

Also.. I'm kinda unclear about the EGR Valve. Looks like Aqua is saying not to bother it but get a new O2 sensor instead. Is this correct? Should I clean the EGR? If so where exactly is it? Again, I replaced the 1st 02 sensor without much change. Still smokes, still sluggish on hills and at highway speeds. I need this smoke gone. My business needs have changed and plan to replace it with something much smaller and more economical.