Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) hard start, runs rough, belches large cloud of white smoke and sometimes black smoke

[Silver Bullet Ram]

only does this on start up. Did it every now and then but now getting more consistent, but not everytime still. When i get the white smoke condtion there is a rough idle and sometimes a hard start. Black smoke on every start up. No codes are present. My brother who has driven and worked on diesels alot in the military said to me, "your truck doesn't sound right. " The clatter sound that is makes used to be consistent, but now is not always consistent, kinda like an engine miss.



Gary

 

[jlhartak]

Sounds like the heater grid isn't working, That would account for the white smoke. If it smoothes out after it reaches operating temp and if it doesn't smoke on a hot start its likely the heater grid.

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

makes sense. i had wondered that. On some occasions though the engine was still lukewarm though, dunno if that makes a difference or not. Are those covered under the cummins 5/100 warranty? I know there was some issues of wires being rubbed through the insulation on these. Thanx



Gary

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Heater grid only comes on when the IAT reads 60* or LOWER. To me it sounds like a fueling issue weather it be a bad injector (Miss , hung open) or possibly Injection pump issue.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

By the way SBR, how many miles are on it? Do you pause when you sart it (In another words just hop in hit the key and go , OR ignition on for 2 secconds then sart?) I noticed that the initial key on fuel is pumped up to 12 psi and is 12 during cranking until rpm is detected then I go up to 24 once the tach has a signal. If I just quickly hop in and hit the key I can start the truck with an instant 24 lbs and get white smoke.

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

I always wait for the wait to start light to go off, 78,000 miles already one replaced lift pump.



Gary