Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Running bad, bogging, heavy smoke. please help.

[abranz]

Haven't posted in a while as my 95 has not caused many problems. When I start the truck it smokes bad, to the point I'm embarassed to start it in our neighborhood. The smoke is black. I cannot rev the engine much as it shudders/shakes and more black smoke comes out. Now once driving it bogs with decreased power. It is stock with 140,000 miles. Any ideas or pointers for me to start? Thanks Tony

 

[NIsaacs]

Sounds like no intake air. Filter plugged? Rats nest maybe?



Nick

 

[Missouri Mule]

Is it blowing black smoke when your moving?



Black smoke = to much fuel not enough air.

So you need to check air filter as suggested but also check for boost leaks after turbo (loose boot connectors/boots or holes in hoses/boots and leaking intercooler).

Might also have hole in the tubing going from to intake manifod to AFC hosing/Wastegate solenoid.

 

[abranz]

Sure appreciate your thoughts. I'll check the afc line you mentioned but how do I check the turbo air hose for leaks other than visual? Thanks Anthony

 

[NIsaacs]

Does it run bad and smoke at an idle? If it does then boost leaks are not an issue. Check and make sure the turbo is not seized up. If it only runs bad while driving the truck, then yes, it might have some boost leaks.



Nick

 

[abranz]

Now the temps have warmed up I don't notice as much black smoke during warmup but this winter with temps less than 30 it would smoke like a coal burning factory while warming up. Very embarrasing in our neighborhood. If I tried to drive it felt like the engine was shaking or missing like a gas engine with the choke still on. Took at least five minutes of warmup before I could move. If I bring it to the dealer I feel like I'm going to get screwed so I'm just not driving it and have been using my 86 s10. I did not see an obvious leak in the afc line. Don't know how to check the turbo lines. Thanks again and please continue any more thoughts Anthony

 

[Missouri Mule]

You can run your hands over the tubing/boots or use soap and water and spray around the connections/boots/tubing.

You have 96 listed in your signature but in your post you state 95, not a big deal but if you have Pacbrake(exhaust brake) those have been to know to stick closed(the potato) don't know about smoke but it will make it run bad and make the egts climb.

 

[KYOUNG]

Change your fuel filter!!!!!!!

 

[GaryOwen]

Your air intake grid heater may not be working properly. I had a similar problem last fall, but my smoke was more blue than black. I checked the voltage to my grid heater when the outside temps were cold. I was only getting about 3 volts to the grid heater. I cleaned my battery connections and all grid heater connections and started getting 12 volts to the grid heater. No more smoke problems all winter.

 

[abranz]

Today I checked the air filter, its housing and it was all clean without obstructions. The intercooler boots look intact without holes. I changed the fuel filter and it runs so much better! The filter only had about 3000 miles on it which is why I didn't change it right off the bat. I know my signature does not match. I have a 96 and bought the 95 for my father. It's been his life dream to buy an airstream and he's never had a truck which would pull one. While growing up I did plenty of damage to his vehicles so now in my 40's I decided to try and repay him. Found this 95 with a bad transmission and front end. I R&R'd the trans (and had it rebuilt by a great trans guy), replaced the ball joints, brakes, fluids, all u-joints, tie rods, track bar, and shocks. Also painted it. I just don't know enough about diesels to troubleshoot it for him so I depend on this forum heavily. Should I have 12v at the heater grids? Sorry post is so long

Anthony

 

[Missouri Mule]

When it is 59 degrees or below the PCM will turn on the heater grid(s). The only way to check to see if they had 12 volts are when they are on.



Keep and eye on the fuel filter you mite want to pull the tank and clean it out.

 

[abranz]

Are you serious? How would I clean the fuel tank and with what chemical? I knew I shouldn't of bought this truck. Anthony

 

[PToombs]

Don't get too excited, it's fairly easy. Get the fuel out, (makes it much easier to handle) unfasten the lines and wires, and the filler and vent. Put a jack under it unscrew the bolts, and lower it down. Unscrew the big nut on the module, and gently work the module up out of the tank. Be careful, the float arm goes off to 1 side and you have to tip it to remove. You can clean the inside of the tank with a rag thru the hole. I've done it to a couple of trucks, it's not bad at all. Check the screens on the module for crap too, 1 inside and 1 outside of it. Brake cleaner works good for this. If you have black slime in there, it's probably algae, get some Biocide and dump in when you put the fuel back in.

Installation is the reverse of removal.

Worst part of the whole thing is getting the fuel low or out. Oh, and the stinky arms when you're done.

 

[fest3er]

... Worst part of the whole thing is getting the fuel low or out. Oh, and the stinky arms when you're done.

Perhaps you meant "over-applied mechanic's cologne"?

 

[Missouri Mule]

You can put the Biocide in with out removing and cleaning (Biocide should kill anything growing in the tank). But have a good supply of filters on hand.