Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Black Smoke startup at high altitude

[LPMorgan]

My 1999 3500 has recently started to produce a lot of black smoke -- I see it mostly at start up.



Coincendently, we have been at 7800 feet for the last few months.



Can anybody tell me if there is a correlation?



Thanks!

lpmorgan

 

[J.Keith]

Well how much is alot?

What if any mods are on it? Does it run ok otherwise?

Does it clear up after it reaches operating temp?

My pickup smokes black for a while after startup when it's cold out.

Not alot but if it was parked inside it would probably be annoying.



BTW welcome to TDR!

 

[NoSeeUm]

Are you starting it with your foot off the thottle pedal?



Jim

 

[analog]

I'm new to the CTD world, but I owned an 88 F250 for a while. We live in Seattle at sea level. When we took the truck and 5th wheel up into Yellowstone, the black smoke was intense. It was like a smoke screen. I understand the black smoke is un-burned fuel due to the thinner air at high altitude. In my Ford the Injection Pump was mechanically controlled for fuel delivery. Not sure how our modern CTD's deal with altitude changes, if at all. But I'd say with certainty the alititude is to blame here.

 

[LPMorgan]

Well how much is alot?

What if any mods are on it? Does it run ok otherwise?

Does it clear up after it reaches operating temp?

My pickup smokes black for a while after startup when it's cold out.

Not alot but if it was parked inside it would probably be annoying.



BTW welcome to TDR!

I have the appropriate Banks package for a 1999 including the turbo and exhaust brake.

I have tightened intercooler clamps and do not hear any whistle to indicate a hole in the turbo air supply.



I probably do have my foot on the accelerator when starting.

Smoke is still there when I go into reverse (foot off accelerator) when I park the truck a few blocks later.



I will be in Moab UT in a few days. Does anyone have a diesel tech there they can recommend.

 

[LPMorgan]

I probably do have my foot on the peddle.

 

[NoSeeUm]

I probably do have my foot on the peddle.

I think maybe I misunderstood. You are saying that you start it, then with it idling it will spew allot of black smoke? Does it clean up after a few minutes?



On my truck, if it is cold it will smoke a bit more. If I stab the throttle it will puff out a fairly serious black cloud, but then clean up immediately. I was thinking that this black puff is what you meant. Other wise just idling the smoke would be closer to white right at start-up and likely turn to a slight grey haze when idling as it warms up. The colder it is, the more noticeable.



It is probably unlikely that a boost leak would effect anything at idle, essentially there is no boost at idle. If the truck had lost some power and was smoking more just running along then a boost leak would be more likely.



Only thing I can think of for you to check is your grid heaters. Make sure they are working. To test this raise the hood, then turn your key on. Wait for the "Wait to Start" light to go out. The quickly tap you hand, like you would on a hot skillet, on the engine side of the intake horn and see if it is warmer than ambient.



Jim

 

[LPMorgan]

Let me be more specific.

Besides 7800 feet altitude, I have the truck parked on a slope with the nose down.

When I start, I then must back up the slope. That is when the smoke is bad.

I accelerate to overcome the slope and the smoke is thick.

When I back up again a few blocks later, the smoke is still bad.



I have attempted to tighten the intercooler line to the turbo, and it may be some better.



I hope to have a good mechanic give me some advice. My next stop is Moab UT.

Anyone who knows of a reliable diesel mechanic there would do me a great service by passing on a contact.



I am also trying to get a handle on things that MIGHT cause such an issue.



Would needing a valve adjustment cause black smoke?

 

[NIsaacs]

Maybe a Rat or Squirrel nest in your air cleaner box?





"NICK"