Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Blue, white, and black smoke

[trqmnstr]

Sometimes it's black, sometimes it's white, and other times it's blue. On some occasions it's mixed together. I've read that blue smoke is a failing turbo. I also have a hesitation problem. Solid FP and no codes. I've never had a starting problem either. Sounds to me like a VP. Any suggestions? Thanks Clay

 

[bmoeller]

Sounds a little more of a timing problem to me.



Diesel engines are also called "oil burners". Blue smoke isn't unusual. As far as the color of the exhaust goes and a failing turbo, it doesn't always give a clue there is a problem 'til she goes. This is unless the seal on the compressor side is leaking, then may have more blue smoke.

 

[trqmnstr]

Can I correct the timimg or do you think it's box related?

 

[bmoeller]

I don't know anything about the Power Puck. It could be possible that it is causing the problem, but it could be the VP also.



The timing is all electronically controlled, so I doubt you could do anything to change it, other than a different box/programming change.



Could even maybe be a bad connection somewhere also. Either on the box connectors, or maybe even one of the pins on the ECM connectors.

 

[trqmnstr]

bmoeller, I appreciate your replys. Is it possible that it is something other than the timing - maybe apps? Would a bad connection make it smoke like it does? Thanks

 

[bmoeller]

APPS= Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor. If it were that, I think you have driveability issues.



A bad connection can cause weird things. The ECM and/or PCM get information from different sensors, in various places. If any were getting/giving eroneous info, it could have an effect. The programming uses the info and the parameters in the programming to make the neccesarry changes. Whether timing, fueling, or whatever.



Has there been any change (a drop) in mileage, at all? There are some sensors that need to be cleaned up sometimes. IAT (Intake Air Temp) sensor being one.



Could be the injectors need to be tested, if they are original.



My trucks timing is retarded. I get the same colors from the exhaust, same as you.



It can change from differences in boost vs. fueling. Not as much fuel+ lots of air= whiteish/gray smoke, sometimes blueish. Lots of fuel + not as much air= black smoke.



I tend to get gray/white smoke when snapping the throttle in neutral. If I don't lug the engine, and the boost comes up quickly, I also see gray smoke. If I stand on it with little to no boost, it is black as coal. Low cylinder temps with the 370s, in the winter cause white smoke at idle. Even if just coming off the interstate, waiting at a light.



I had the HX-40 installed before the 370s came. Lots of air. Air gray smoke on hard throttle.



Have you disconnected the Power Puck, to see if anything changes? If so, what?

 

[trqmnstr]

My mileage is as high as ever. I just cleaned the IAT which didn't need it. MAP hasn't been cleaned yet. Injectors are original, I think. That crossed my mind as well. I have not disconnected the Power Puck yet. That's on my list of things to do.



I forgot to mention that sometimes it is down on power and other times it seems, I guess, like it used to be. I've also never had a dead pedal. Possibly a bad ground? I have yet to check those. Thanks Clay

 

[tractorface]

Similar problem

I run a Raptor which is a re-badged EZ and had lots of strange stuff start recently. Sometimes its a beast and other times it was a slug. Finally saw white smoke on acceleration so I pulled the Raptor off. Seemed to have been the problem, one week with everything running the same way every day and Black smoke on acceleration. No more white smoke.

Try unplugging the box and start from there, wish I had it would have saved a bunch of time

 

[bmoeller]

At this point, I'd just disconnect the Puck, and see what happens. We can then rule it out, if it isn't the problem. Will save some work for ya. If it is the problem, we need to figure out why.

 

[trqmnstr]

Alright, I'll take it off tomorrow and see what happens. I assume it just plugs in - I didn't install it. Until tomorrow.....

 

[trqmnstr]

OK guys, I disconnected the box today and she was much nicer. I always let it idle for a few minutes in the morning and then it hesitates the worst when I first take off. It only does this for less than a minute. The rest of the day it only does it a few times each time I row through the cogs - some times not at all.



With the box off, it did not hesitate but a couple of times at the top of my shift range. It was so minute I could barely feel it. I couldn't even tell the box was off until I gave it some more throttle. Then I found out how much the box adds - quite a bit!



I also didn't see any smoke - not even any black. I lugged it a few times so I could see the smoke but I guess there wasn't enough fuel.



I proceeded to spray the connections with electronics cleaner and reattach the box... . back to the usual hesitation and rainbow smoke.

 

[bmoeller]

How is the fuel pressure with the box on, or off? If it is fine, sounds like the box probably needs to be sent in for a check up/update.

 

[trqmnstr]

The FP was the same on and off. I've also read that a box seems to magnify the problem. Sounds like whats happening here. Remember, I still felt the hesitation a few times. However, it wouldn't hurt to send the box in for an update.

 

[trqmnstr]

Well, I was doing some research on the PowerPuck and it looks like I have the wrong one! This box was already installed on the truck when I bought it. They show pictures on the website - diablosport.com - and I have the box for the 98. 5-2000. It plugs into the back of the VP while the 2001 model plugs into the MAP. Mine plugs into the back up the VP!!!! How can this be? I guess it doesn't matter what year you order it for because it works fine on my truck. I ran this box for 7k miles before I developed this problem. What's the deal? I sent the manufacturer an email and now awaiting reply.

 

[tractorface]

I doubt you'll see any black smoke at all with stock Fuel. I don't see much with just my HRVP. Now it gets heavy with a fueling box. Sounds like you found your problem

 

[trqmnstr]

I'm not so sure I found my problem. I still had a couple instances of the hesitation with the box off like I wrote above. Well see what happens when and if I send the box back. Do you think they'll check the box even though I was not the one to purchase it? Thanks for all the responses guys - I'll keep you posted.



Oh yeah, tractorface, we all know that's your minivan in the background.

 

[tractorface]

Edge is checking mine and I bought it used. Mine even has Dyno Souces Raptor on it.



I pledge to never ever own a minivan, if I am gonna drive a bus it better sound like one :-laf