hi all
whilst having a look under the bonnet, I lifted off the plastic engine cover only to find a lot of black soot on the drivers side.
Any clues as to what this might be?

Hi 33sport. Don't know much about the tdv8,, but past experience it could be an egr valve venting or check hoses in that area.
Sure someone will be along with more info.
greg.

EGR's are buried deep down in the bottom of the V so have a look for a split air hose in that area sir... Any smoke when driving?

Hi yes a bit of smoke when I accelerate hard.

I'm not a techie but sounds very similar to a recent issue I had;

Replaced both turbo top hoses and all is well once again  Is this where I put the car details and a bit about myself ?........

Hi did yours smoke just on initial kick down them after was clear?
Also would you have the part number for the hoses, and how easy are they to install?
Many thanks