Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Lotsa smoke

[WDaniels]

Have a guy that I work with that has a 97 3500 with 107,000 and some change. He took it to the stealer at 45,000-50,000 and had it timed. He stated that ever since he had the work done that when he starts it, it just blows black smoke and doesen't stop. He won't even park in the garage because it's so bad. When he gets on it on the highway, you can't see anything behind him. No white smoke at all. After he starts it and gets oil pressure he can take it up to 1500 rpm and it smooths right out and runs smoooth. His truck is totally bone stock. What do you guys think? Could his fuel/air ratio be off? Something go through the turbo and shell it out? Would the dealer mess with the star wheel? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

WD

 

[Joe G.]

It sounds like the morons at the dealer retarded the timing. You need to get that checked. Just another reason I do all my own work if I possibly can. There are several other things to check. Make sure that all intercooler clamps are tight and are on correctly. One of the boots may have slipped or have a hole in it. The lower one on the driver's side sometimes rubs. A boost gauge is needed to make sure that boost is near where it should be. There is a boost hose to that controls the waste gate on the turbo. Make sure it's on there. The star wheel is a possibility so you might try adjusting that if nothing else is found.



Fuel/air mixture doesn't really apply to a diesel like it does to a gasser. For a gasser it must be near 14/1 or it doesn't run right. It varies quite a bit for a diesel. Enuff air is needed to burn the fuel but it's not critical like for a gasser. Low boost can cause it to smoke, but that would not mean much at start up.

 

[chrleb1]

The problem is most likely retarded timing. When the timing is retard, the fuel is delivered later. Meaning it has less time to burn or ignite. So your less time would mean black smoke. This would be even more evident as you drove it because you are add a lot more fuel. Probably the best place to set the timing would be between 15 and 16 degrees.

A boost leak at idle won't cause it to smoke at idle. Because of low fuel added at idle, means not much air is needed.

 

[WDaniels]

Thanks guys.

WD