Smokes When Starting

[Sneakysnke]

I am a new member and just wanted to see if anyone had the same problem as I do. When my 96 Cummins sits for a day or so, it smokes a lot when it starts for about 5-10 min or so. Is this normal? I have also noticed when you stomp the accelerator while driving it smokes a good bit. I also want to increase the power, but not sure where to start. Do I need to upgrade the Auto trans first? Any help will be greatly appericated.


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1996 2500, Ext Cab, Cummins,TC Lockup Switch, SLT Larmie, 3:54, Auto, Infinity Sound System, K&N Air Filter, Amsoil Fluids throughout

 

[Sneakysnke]

Originally posted by FourBarR:
My 94' truck would smoke a little more than normal once in a while and didn't think much about it. But, a couple of weeks ago it starting smoking a whole lot. It would smoke enough to block your view for the first minute when started in the morning.

I was thinking that it was a leaking injector and was looking into replacing them, but I then decided to put some injector cleaner in the fuel. After a couple of days, it is only smoking a small amount when started in the morning. It still seems more than normal, but it is barely noticable.

I think that my injectors were getting dirty so I am going to fun some diesel additive at least every couple of tanks of fuel. I can also use this as an excuse to put new injectors in my 94' truck. And I also put some diesel additive in my wife's truck.

Later,
Tim

 

[Sneakysnke]

Originally posted by FourBarR:
My 94' truck would smoke a little more than normal once in a while and didn't think much about it. But, a couple of weeks ago it starting smoking a whole lot. It would smoke enough to block your view for the first minute when started in the morning.

I was thinking that it was a leaking injector and was looking into replacing them, but I then decided to put some injector cleaner in the fuel. After a couple of days, it is only smoking a small amount when started in the morning. It still seems more than normal, but it is barely noticable.

I think that my injectors were getting dirty so I am going to fun some diesel additive at least every couple of tanks of fuel. I can also use this as an excuse to put new injectors in my 94' truck. And I also put some diesel additive in my wife's truck.

Later,
Tim

Thanks Tim, I will try that and see if it helps.

 

[John_P]

Sneakysnke:

My 96' Dodge CTD smokes when it is cold
too. It also smokes under hard acceleration
but if you look at my signature you will
know why.

On your question about "power upgardes"
I recommend you get a set of good gauges
first. At least pyrometer, boost and
transmission temperature gauges. And
yes, you will need to upgrade the automatic
transmission. Especially if you have high
mileage on the truck. You will AT LEAST
need to put in a good valve body or shift
kit. But if the truck has high mileage I
recommend a complete rebuild or "core
exchange" with a new TC, valve body,seals,
clutch packs etc.

After all that you might want to start
with a cam plate from TST, possibly the
230 H. P. /605 Torque to start. Once you
"start" with this cam plate you will
want to "upgrade" shortly thereafter!!

Good luck and welcome to the TDR Website!

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John_P

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Red '96 4x4 2500 Auto 3. 54, TST #5, Major Pump Mods(By "Scheid Diesel") 370 Diamond B Injectors, Gov. Spring kit, AFC Spring kit, Banks Exhaust, Prime Loc, Cummins Chrome Kit,Psychotty Air Filter, Pro-Torque Converter, BD Valve Body, BD Pressure Loc, Isspro Gauges, Sendel 16" Alum Wheels w/ 33" BFGs

 

[JohnE]

Sneakysnke;
Have you checked the grid heaters in your intake? One or both may not be working. These heaters help with limiting the cold engine smoking.
My other thought:
Do you use your block heater when the air temps drop below 40° F. ? White smoke is a sure sign of cold engine.

As far as smoking when you tromp on it. I visited the place Evan (Beck) works with my truck for a pre-move checkup. Chuck called it "cat turds". He explained the catalytic builds up soot that needs a good periodic stomp to purge.

Fuel for thought?
JE

 

[FourBarR]

My 94' truck would smoke a little more than normal once in a while and didn't think much about it. But, a couple of weeks ago it starting smoking a whole lot. It would smoke enough to block your view for the first minute when started in the morning.

I was thinking that it was a leaking injector and was looking into replacing them, but I then decided to put some injector cleaner in the fuel. After a couple of days, it is only smoking a small amount when started in the morning. It still seems more than normal, but it is barely noticable.

I think that my injectors were getting dirty so I am going to fun some diesel additive at least every couple of tanks of fuel. I can also use this as an excuse to put new injectors in my 94' truck. And I also put some diesel additive in my wife's truck.

Later,
Tim

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94' 2500 std cab, 4x4, 12v, 5spd, TST 230/605, 130k mi.
96' 2500 ext cab, 4x4, 12v, 5spd, Cummins Exhaust brake, 65k mi.

 

[Sneakysnke]

 

[Sneakysnke]

John_P
Thanks for the info, I will order the gages as soon as possible, but the trans will have to wait till i get some money saved up.

 

[Sneakysnke]

JohnE
I haven't checked the grid heaters, but I think they are working, It starts good in cold weather and the wait to start light goes off in a min or so. I do not use a block heater, but it still starts good in cold weather. Ok on the "cat turds", I never heard that one. Thanks for the help.

 

[illflem]

Here's a testimonial for Power Service Cetane Boost diesel fuel additive. Friend of mine was mowing apple prunings in his orchard with a JD tractor when it stalled and wouldn't restart. He called me to come fix it, was just a branch that bent the fuel shut down cable. After restarting the tractor it was smoking really bad, my friend said it always did it. I had some PS additive with me and poured a double dose into the tank. Within 5 minutes the tractor was running excellent, no smoke. My friend said he couldn't remember the last time the engine had so much power and so little smoke. The stuff does work, it was the first time I had seen such a dramatic improvement from a fuel additive.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)