Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Different white smoke question...

[RJPotts]

Alright, I know white smoke is normal on cold weather startup. I was just wondering how long it usually lasts.

Last night was the first time I noticed this...

I started the truck and it wasn't completely cold and I held it at high idle (about 1200 rpm) for about 5 minutes or so, maybe longer but not more than 10, EGT hung right around 325*F the whole time. Temp gauge got right above 140*F and my truck was still smoking, not heavily like it does after a long cold soak... but I could still see smoke rising against the flood light that was about 30 feet behind me.

Just wondering if this is an indication of something or if this was normal. I figured the smoke would clear up once it got warm. What do you think?

This was in the 96' which is as it is in my sig.

Thanks in advance,

-R. J.

 

[McLaughlin]

Alright, I know white smoke is normal on cold weather startup. I was just wondering how long it usually lasts.

Last night was the first time I noticed this...

I started the truck and it wasn't completely cold and I held it at high idle (about 1200 rpm) for about 5 minutes or so, maybe longer but not more than 10, EGT hung right around 325*F the whole time. Temp gauge got right above 140*F and my truck was still smoking, not heavily like it does after a long cold soak... but I could still see smoke rising against the flood light that was about 30 feet behind me.

Just wondering if this is an indication of something or if this was normal. I figured the smoke would clear up once it got warm. What do you think?

This was in the 96' which is as it is in my sig.

Thanks in advance,

-R. J.

If your fuel economy and power seem alright then I don't think you have a problem. I wonder if what you are seeing could be steam?

 

[pwknapp]

Usually won't clear up till you add some boost.

 

[cojhl2]

EGT hung right around 325*F the whole time. Temp gauge got right above 140*F and my truck was still smoking, not heavily like it does after a long cold soak... but I could still see smoke rising against the flood light that was about 30 feet behind me.

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The EGT means nothing unless the engine is under power. The heat represented by the Temp passing out the exhaust is merely the inefficiency of rotating an unloaded engine.



I would say the white smoke you saw against a floodlight is there in the daytime also but you cant see it. All these engines have some emmissions.



White smoke is fuel vapor. It has not gone thru oxidation and that usually means the combustion chamber has cold surfaces where the fuel hides from the burn process and is subsequently passed in vapor form out the exhaust.



You have no problem and nothing to worry about.

 

[RJPotts]

I didn't think there was any problem. Just wanted to make sure.

I usually run the exhaust brake for warmup and leave it on for extended idle times. This time, I couldn't because it was late and the truck with the exhaust brake on is loud. I figured the next best thing was a "high idle".

Oh well, I'm not worried about it.

Thanks,

-R. J.