Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) More smoke after Headgasket Change

[McCRam]

I just finished with my headgasket replacement. The truck seems to run pretty good, I haven't really gotten on it to hard yet. The truck is putting out twice the smoke it used to. It hazes at idle, (Only used to do that when it was cold) and will put out a thick cloud of black smoke when I get on it.



So I'm trying to figure out what has changed. I used a cummins upperend kit that came with a 010 headgasket. I had 010 milled off the head to flatten it out. The only other changes were a stud kit and an ats exhust manifold. I have checked for leaks, fuel and air, and haven't found any yet. I also had the injectors tested and I was told they were fine. Maybe a little on the weak side.



Any Ideas would be much appreciated.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Well the . 010" gasket will slightly lower your compression but not enough to significantly increase smoke.



When I did my HG mine did the same thing, a lot more blue smoke. Turns out most of it came from disturbing the small rubber O-ring on the fuel line entering the pre-filter from the fuel tank, causing it to suck air. Make sure this is OK and the fuel line is properly secured with the bolt to the intake area at the back. It doesn't take much air to greatly increase smoke I've found, and there's lots of places on the crummy 12v fuel system for small leaks to occur (around the filter, line fittings, pre-filter, fuel heater electrical connector, 90* elbow, etc. ).



I went . 010" over too but after solving the air sucking the smoke level is about the same as before the job. I did a compression check after the job thinking my 352k engine was getting tired but I had over 500 psi on each hole so all looked good there.



Vaughn

 

[McCRam]

Thanks for the reply. So if it wasn't that, is it still likely that air is getting into the system? I will go over the fuel system tomorrow. I'll try to find some places to put all the extra parts that came with the upper end kit.

 

[Graphic man]

just as long it is not white smoke!! you should be fine!

fuel is the only thing that will cause more black smoke

i would check for air leaks the lack there of will cause more black smoke

 

[McCRam]

Oops

Vaughn hit the nail on the head. I will find out tonight for sure on the way to work. I checked the overflow line and the gasket was missing. I must have dropped it when I put it back together during my many stud retorques. I found a couple of the bolts at the injector not so tight as well.



Thanks again



Yup that was it. Runs alot smoother too. And it just smokes when my foot gets heavy.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Good job McCram