Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Motor not running right when cold

[thaile]

I have a 96 dodge diesel with 370 injectors, greatly modified #10 cam plate, pier HX-40, timing set at 18. 5, and 4 in exhaust. When the truck is cold like starting it in the morning now or when it has set for a long time and I take off in second gear and give it any more gas than just a little bit, the truck cuts out and pops, and blows a little white smoke instead of black out the tail pipe. However, whenever the truck warms up it runs just fine with not a single problem at all related to this. Any help you all could give me would be greatly appreciated. My truck only did this really bad since installing the 370s only on occassion would it do this with the 300s. Appreciate any of you alls suggestions.

 

[Roger rodbolt]

Tony,

Check fuel pressure sounds like it may be low at idle. If your timing hasn't slipped and your intake heater is working, it's probably low fuel pressure. Larry

 

[WDaniels]

Tony,

Other than my cam my truck is unmodified as of yet. I have exactly the same problem. I talked to Piers who I got the cam from and he told me to start it up, get oil pressure and then immediatly take to 1500rpm. Piers said that it should clear up and run smooth within 4 to 5 seconds. If it didn't it almost assuridly out of time. He (Piers)said that diesels are forgiving when warm but totally unforgiving when cold. Hope this helps.

WD

 

[Andy Redmond]

1st you are running an awful lot of timing (18. 5 deg). Why so much?



I think the truck would be happier with 16 deg or so. Enough time, but not so much cylinder pressure. Read hard on the head gasket.



To much time can cause the symptom you describe (but only a little), but my thoughts are on those 370's. What size/thickness of sealing washer is under them? S/b . 020, they often come with . 050-. 065 thickness sealing washers causing an unhappy idle. You are injecting a lot of cold fuel into a cold engine. .

Earlier "BD" Gov. Spring kits made this prob. more noticeable.



However, Larry had good thoughts too. If the fuel psi is low, it will exagerate the symptoms described. If its less than 20 psi at idle after the filter start looking at the overflow valve, weak lift pump, fuel line deterioration and or other air leaks (fuel system).



It should be a happy truck again soon, keep digging! You'll get it.