Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Smoke at idle

[lrox]

Lately in the cold weather (0-30*) I notice excessive white smoke from tailpipe. This happens until the truck combustion temps rise from raising the idle or from driving. I have removed the drip can for the breather and extended the hose to between the bumper and the axle. I change the oil at 3K and use vavoline premium blue extreme 5w 40. Is this normal, or am I just looking for things to fix?

 

[obert]

When it gets chilly out you see the cars and gas trucks "fogging" out the tail pipe. Its just condensation. That is what it sounds like yours is doing, diesels will do it when really cold, mine usualy fogs only below about 15*. Has this not happend before? Guess I'd have to see it.

 

[ESorensen]

I have the same year model truck and it does the same thing. I fit is plugged in, it will not smoke. If the truck is warm, it will not do it even if it is cold. I'm not sure what it all means.

 

[lrox]

I have seen what you mean about fogging, that only happens when I drive away. The smoke I'm talking about is oil, blue smoke. The smoke does not disapate either. Is this common? This is with the truck unplugged.

 

[bmoeller]

Does it go away, once the truck warms up?It is probably fuel that isn't completely burnt. My white smoke goes away, once it warms up. If going through town on a cold day, the cylinder temps will cool enough for the whitre smoke to come back again.

 

[Dieselram]

mine does it when it;s cold outside as well... but it doesn;t burn a DROP of oil. but if i plug it in. . no smoke

 

[IC Smoke]

Hmmm sounds like the muffler bearings are going out on it. You might also try checking your kanuter valves for slack and adjustment. That might be the cause of your problem.









ahhaha im just kidding! :-laf I had to use it somewhere.



Mine smokes when its cold (white) and there is just a hint of blue and smells like a big rig. But no signs of performance problems or leaks anywhere!?



Ian

 

[obert]

Read your sig. this time. It probly is just raw fuel from the coldd chamber temps. The over fueling from the mods (injectors too?) Might be just a bit more than wants to burn when its cold.



A caution against this is that Idle speed longer than what a traffic light might be is now NOT an option as you will wash the cyl. walls and ruin the engine-- KEEP IT HOT



Similarly, an Injector could be dribling a touch, which can also be detrimental.



Relax now, though. As long as the smoke goes away and the engine oil doesnt smell like fuel when you regularly check it, you'll be OK.







Of course, if it really IS oil smoke comming out... ...

 

[MamthTorq]

Mine smokes the blue smoke your talking about every morning when I start it... it never bothered me I guess because I used to have a 91. 5, and if it was not hot, it would smoke blue all the time. But right now the smoke clears up in the first 100 yards or so.

 

[lrox]

Thanks for all the input, I'm going to try to rig a high idle solenoid into my remote start system. I have an extra channel that can trigger a relay, maybe that will help.

 

[Mtngoat]

Mine does the same, I don't worry about it. It only does it when its COLD, so that tells me it weather (temp) related. No biggie!

Robin