Very worrying carbon build up all over engine.

[GrannySmiff]

Hi everybody,

Not a regular member here juts here selfishly for help, I have a 54 406 1.8d estate, have regretted buying it ever since.

Anyway just now she says to me can you top up the screen wash, OK I lift the bonnet and it looks like there has been a fire, but there has not there is basically soot/carbon deposits up to a 1cm think in parts it is very soft and the top layer can be blown off like dust leaving behind a scorched looking engine.

What on earth has happened?, I have noticed a diesely smell through the vents, so maybe the exhaust manifold has a leak or something?.

Any ideas if this is on the list of things to expect with a 406 or is this a new one to you guys.

Really thanks for any info especially as my children are driven about in this car and I am now worrying about carbon monoxide poising.

Thanks,

James.

[steve_earwig]

Hi James, sorry you're having a bad time with your 406

That's very weird, any chance of a picture?

[GrannySmiff]

Here are some pics, you can see where I wipped it away with my finger, but the picture doesn't show how thick it is in places.





?

[plod]

I've had soot deposits before. My flexi was leaking, and had soot deposits up bulkhead, and covering back of engine somewhat.
Also I think my EGR valve leaks a little giving same effect, and in same sort of area.

As Steve said, give us a pic, as the saying goes, it speaks a thousand words

[steve_earwig]

Errr, what car is that?

It does look like it's blowing from somewhere around the turbo.

[GrannySmiff]

Oh dear very embarssing its a 407 not a 406,

Off to a 407 forum then.

Thanks for the help.

[jamjar1383]

i would hazzard a geuss that the sorce of the soot may be the exhaust/turbo manifold gasket

[teamster1975]

Oh dear very embarssing its a 407 not a 406,

Off to a 407 forum then.

Thanks for the help.

I must admit i did a double take when I saw the engine!
No problem, you're still welcome anyhow