loud knock at idle and smoking

[dalpil]

Hello, new to the board and having trouble. Got an '00 F350 powerstroke 7.3 with an automatic transmission. About 165k on it. Had the truck almost a year and love it. It's developing a problem and I'm my own mechanic - this one's stumping me. Once the engine is up to temperature and I'm driving I'll notice at idle (if stopped at a traffic light)a loud clank on the driver's side. When I start out from a stop the truck shudders and belches blue smoke - then the engine will surge and pick up power like normal and the smoke is gone. This cycle happens intermittently but is happening more often. I never get a service engine light so I'm not sure if there's a trouble code or not. Also noticing on first start of the day if the engine isn't up to temp. it takes alot of throttle to move the truck. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[SMKSTAX]

This is what I read on Dieselmann's page: Blue or blue/white smoke:
Caused by insufficient fuel or oil consumption. Normal when engine is cold or idling for extended periods.
Excessive smoke could be caused by air in the fuel, contaminated fuel, loose or plugged injectors, worn or leaking injector o-rings, thermostat stuck open, oil consumption, or plugged crankcase depression regulator valve. Also PCM inputs such as MAP or ICP sensors.