220 CDi Limp mode and Black smoke from engine

[chelleon]

Hi,
I have been reading various posts within the forum and can't seem to "jump" to one conclusion.

Here's my story and I hope that someone can help or point me to a post..

Driving down the M6 car went into limp mode.
Stopped car and re-started and all was well for about 20 miles then limp again.
That was about 2 weeks ago. Short journeys OK until 3 days ago when limp mode starts almost immediately. Supected MAF initially, but the missus saw me drive off and commented on the amount of black smoke coming out of the exhaust. Car has now started to hiss (Like air releasing) when revs over 1200rpm.
Pulled over and missus revved the the engine again and this time I noticed quite a bit of black smoke coming from under the car right beolow the engine.

I have booked the car into a local (Non Merc) garage tomorrow, but would like to point him in the right direction before he starts changing everything under the sun.

Can anyone hint at what the problem may be? Any help would be grately appreciated before someone at a garage empties my pockets.

 

[colechelle]

would say Cat blocked, 99%!

 

[chelleon]

Many thanks Colechelle, I was hoping that you would see my post as I have noticed that you give great advice.

Can you guess what my next question will be?

What can I tell the Garage to look for (my cynicism with some mechanics abilities make me wary of letting them loose on any can)

Should I just go and buy a pre cat and secondary cat and fit them myself (Is that easy?) and do you know where I can source them from?

Or would it just be better to let the garage handle it?

If the garage does the job, what should I be looking at bill wise?

Apologies for the million and one questions!

 

[colechelle]

Ah, a fan!! You have already answered your own question, when its cold or cooled down it is fine, when it gets hot it blocks and causes great back pressure and blowing out the joints, hence the hissing noise, i would do it myself, as you said replace them both and its job done then!

 

[chelleon]

Thanks for the confidence in doing it myself, you haven't seen my toolkit!

Just got a quote from Catman.co.uk for 1st and 2nd cat @£390 inc VAT and postage...Doesn't sound too bad!

Think I will give it a go. Cheers and thanks again for your help!

 

[colechelle]

that sounds a good price!!!!! always worth ring your merc dealer as people are finding out there prices are good for parts at the moment!!! the worst bit you find is the clamp under the aircleaner box, but once removed its stright forward!! if you get in S..t you know where we are!!!