Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) coughing white smoke on start-up

[spooledup]

when I first start the truck in the morning, it produces a large amount of white smoke. Also acts likes it's missing. It never had this problem before. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ron Bissett]

Don't know where you are but its cold here in Kentucky and a small amount of white smoke at first start is normal . It would help if we knew what truck you have Year model and any special mods If you have 2x4 or 4x4 25 or 35 or Kitty car use the button and add signature . Ron in Louisville KY . Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[spooledup]

SORRY ABOUT THE LACK OF INFO. I HAVE WORKED ALL UP NORTH IN THE WINTER, BUT THIS PROBLEM HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE

 

[One Old Dog]

It's cold outside Plug it in and it will stop.

 

[Cummins4Life]

Mine does the same thing, its the nature of the beast.

 

[Pit Bull]

Here is what the service manual (2000) states could be causing your problem,



Fuel injector malfunctioning - A DTC should have been set.



Fuel injector hold-downs loose. - Torque to spec.



Fuel injector protrusion not correct - Check washer shim at bottom of fuel injector for correct thickness.



Fuel injector pump malfunctioning - A DTC should have been set.



Fuel supply restriction to transfer pump - Pressure test the fuel transfer pump.



Fuel transfer pump malfunctioning - A DTC should have been set.



Intake/Exhaust valve adjustment not correct (too tight) - adjust valves



Intake manifold air temperature sensor malfuncioning - A DTC should of been set.



Intake maniflod heater circuit not functioning correctly in cold weather - A DTC should have been set also check heater elements for correct operation.



Intake manifold heater elements not functioning correctly in cold weather - A diagnostic trouble code will not be set if heater elements are malfunctioning.



Internal engine damage (scuffed cylinder) - Analyze engine oil and inspect oil filter to locate area of probable damage.



Static timing incorrect - A DTC should have been set.



Thats all of them. I would first check and see if any codes were set. Then check fuel pressure, you know go from the easiest to the hardest. If there is a Cummins place around go there. If you are still under warranty take to DC it should be covered. Good luck.

 

[Pit Bull]

Sorry I left out some possible causes.



Air in Fuel supply - between transfer pump and fuel tank



Coolant leaking into combustion chamber - do a pressure check on cooling system.



In very cold ambient tempertures , engine block heater is malfunctioning.



Engine coolant temperture sensor malfunctioning - should have a code



ECM not calibrated or has incorect calibration - should have a code



Fuel filter plugged - install new fuel filter



Fuel grade not correct or fuel grade is poor.



Fuel heater element or fuel heater temperture sensor malfunctioning. This will cause wax type buildup in the fuel filter.



Thats it. Let us know what it is. Good luck

 

[Daddy]

My truck has developed a similiar problem. Mine did this 3 weeks ago then straightened up and now it did it yesterday and today. When cold it will miss at idle and smoke a bit when it misses. My temp gauge also acts erratic when this is going on and it sets my check engine light. When yours acts up again watch your temp gauge, mine will go from cold to 260 and bounce back and forth. I am thinking coolant temp sensor, but I havent replaced it yet. This is not the nature of the beast.

 

[RobbyRam]

Hey guys! I think that this is normal and nothing to worry about. Mine's been doing it for 80k miles.



Bob in Sacto

 

[WestTN]

white smoke

Are you waiting for the 'Wait to Start' light to turn off before you hit the starter?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Is your grid heater cycling? Does your voltage gauge drop down for a minute or so after starting and your headlights (if turned on) are dim?



How cold of temperatures are you talking about? I have done gasser starts when late for work (crank without waiting for grid heater) and it lights right off and runs smooth, with some smoke. This is on a typical night here in eastern Washington when it's around 30-35F at night and not being plugged in.



Vaughn

 

[cmckinney]

If I don't allow my grid heaters to cycle and the Wait to start engine to shut off my truck will idle rough and the exhaust will be white. It is due to the cold weather.



It's been in the 20's-30's at night in Dallas so the morning starts are cold too. You don't need to plug in your truck just let your grid heaters do their job.



-CM

 

[cwarner]

Mine has started smoking pretty bad even when I wait for the light but it has been consitantly in the teen's and lower for about a week and a half.

 

[PLaFrombois]

Mine was parked for 5 days in northern WI where it was -10 at nights and single digits daytime. Wasn't able to plug in. Cycled heaters twice and it fired up o. k. Scarred the guy next to me in the parking lot. He went back inside because of the noise and white smoke.

 

[David Wheeler]

jpdowdle,



As suggested, try cycling your grid heater two cycles, then start. See if this doesn't help the white smoke issue. Plugging in would definately help. As for the "sounds like it's missing"..... may just be cold I treat mine very gingerly first thing in the morning... . first gear starts and all. Sound should disappear as the beast warms up. Hope this helps.



David