Ford Fiesta - Smoke from Dash/Steering Column

[burner]

Hi. Every so often, my 92 fiesta 1.1 smokes from the steering column when i start it. The smoke is visible from the indicator/wiper switches. After leaving for about 5 mins, the smoking stops and it starts up fine. It's only started doing it since I got a new clutch fitted the other week.

HELP!!

Burner

[rivolette]

Smoke coming from your STEERING COLUMN? Just wanted to make sure I'm getting that right. I suggest you go back to the mechanic who fitted your clutch. There has only been one incident where I had smoke coming through my steering column, and that was back when my 1985 Chevy Blazer was on fire! Seriously :)

[burner]

Yeah, I've already been back twice because they put my gate back on wrong, and at 1 point I couldn't go forward! Do you think the clutch could be related? There are no obvious signs of electrical faults in the steering column, and all of the fuses have been checked.

[rivolette]

Well, I'd say if you couldn't go forward at one point after having the clutch replaced, then yes, it would have something to do with the clutch.

Although I'd have to ask, what's the intensity of the smoke? Is it thick? or are we talking about some light excess grease burning off?

[burner]

The 1st time there was a lot of it - couldn't see dials on dash. Jumped out very quick! Since then, it has only been small amounts filtering through steering column.

There has also been an excessive amount of oil refills recently - however, no blue smoke at exhaust

[rivolette]

Ok, now we're talking about blow-by. This *may* be completely unrelated to your clutch.

The oil top-ups indicate that you might have severe blow-by in your engine. It is really difficult to diagnose this case remotely. I would suggest that you take it to an independent mechanic (not the guys who changed your clutch).

[burner]

Ok, cheers. I'll get it looked at.

[rivolette]

Please keep us up-to-date on this. It would be interesting to see what the issue was...

[burner]

Well, it was towed back 20 miles from Blackpool on Sunday when it decided to start burning on the motorway. An auto-electricians coming to look at it on Wednesday. £££