Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Start up smoke

[DSpringstead]

Is it a normal thing to have visible smoke when first starting up? I've noticed that at times I'll have that until it warms up. Is there something I need to look out for?

 

[hsmith]

So, what truck is it? Mods? Smoke color?

 

[DSpringstead]

Well... ... .

It's a 1997 & as for mods just a 3 pc manifold & 4 in exhaust. Sometimes I have a strong smell of diesel & the smoke looks black. It's not real bad but detectable. I've owned it for over a year now & it's starting to do this. But clears up after warm up. Could I possibly have a air leak somewhere?

 

[hsmith]

An air leak usually causes a long start, rough idle, and white smoke. If it only smokes black on start up with no starting issues, you don't have a real issue to worry about.

What is the mileage?

 

[DSpringstead]

A tick under 150,000

 

[JMcCoy]

That puff of black smoke is half the fun of owning a 12 valve cummins. You can pull up next to a BMW with the window down, line up the pipe, shut the truck off and restart it. I'll let you use your imagination for the rest. They think your "piece of junk" truck stalled of you. ha ha ha.