Hard start, white smoke, rough idle...

[JamesCohen]

I've just encountered my first problem with my truck. 2004. 5 CTD with 62,500 miles. Till now the truck has started fine whether it was 100 or 30 degrees.



When I start the truck after it has sat for several hours (ex: before or after work) it won't start the first time I crank it. After the 2nd or 3rd try it'll start, but runs rough and huffs white smoke. The truck sounds and feels like it is running on 4 cylinders. Shortly after I put it in gear and drive off it clears up. Cold start is the only thing that I see that is affected. Fuel milage is the same, oil looks fine and is at normal level & pressure. Like I said, this just started a couple of days ago and it seems to be getting worse every day.



I've done some searching around on the subject and see people mention that:

a) their trucks always did this and the dealer said it was ok, or

b) it was a bad injector(s) and did or could cause serious engine damage.



What's the best way to approach the dealer about this problem? Up to a couple of days ago my truck never did this. It appears to be getting worse though. I'll take it to the dealer, but I'd like to know what the issue is first so I don't get jerked around.



Thanks.

 

[JCasper]

Sounds like an injector issue to me.

 

[JamesCohen]

Is that common with only 62k miles? Is it usually one or more injectors that are bad?



What should I expect to hear from the dealer? How about cost?

 

[JCasper]

Is that common with only 62k miles? Is it usually one or more injectors that are bad?



What should I expect to hear from the dealer? How about cost?

I don't know how common it is, but I know a guy from another site who is local here that just had a similar problem. His however were fixed at the dealer with an injection flush.



Is your truck stock? If so warranty may cover it. They could not tell he had a Smarty, but he paid for the injection flush as it was not covered under warranty. I think it was somewhere around $250 for all that they did.



He was having a stumble and a puff of white smoke on cold starts.

 

[JCasper]

Until you get this figured out keep a VERY CLOSE eye on your oil level.

 

[JamesCohen]

Thanks for the feedback guys.



My truck is stock, like your buddy's.