Anyone know what could be wrong??

[matt_71]

I have a 1997 F350 with the 7.3 Powerstroke in it. It is really hard starting when I first start it for the day and it smokes really bad off the get go. After I first run it for the day it seems to be alright then. I mean this thing smokes real bad! Could it be a bad sensor??? Anyone that could help me I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[wesjones]

sounds like a fuel problem. dump the codes and see if a couple of the injectors are not firing correctly. this would create bad smoke when could. what probably is happening is that your injectors are cold so fuel is late coming to the system, and then the problem ends as the injectors warm up and the clog melts away. if your putting out black smoke that is a definate indicator: white smoke is steam, like from water in the exhaust, black is unburnt fuel...

wes

[jtomasik]

I haven't taken delivery of my 7.3L, but back in the days as a diesel mechanic, that situation was usually indicative of air in the fuel system, or bad injector timing. Air in the fuel system was pretty common. Both situations resulted in a lot of white smoke that stings your eyes (it's unburned fuel).

[jtomasik]

Originally Posted by wesjones

sounds like a fuel problem. dump the codes and see if a couple of the injectors are not firing correctly. this would create bad smoke when could. what probably is happening is that your injectors are cold so fuel is late coming to the system, and then the problem ends as the injectors warm up and the clog melts away. if your putting out black smoke that is a definate indicator: white smoke is steam, like from water in the exhaust, black is unburnt fuel...

wes

Actually, black is burned fuel, but not enough oxygen in the ratio. White smoke, if it stings your eyes, is unburned/raw fuel. If it's steam, it could be water in your exhaust or coolant getting into the cylinders, like from a leaky head gasket. That would actually smell like coolant when it exits the exhaust system.

[mschn99]

Originally Posted by matt_71

I have a 1997 F350 with the 7.3 Powerstroke in it. It is really hard starting when I first start it for the day and it smokes really bad off the get go. After I first run it for the day it seems to be alright then. I mean this thing smokes real bad! Could it be a bad sensor??? Anyone that could help me I would appreciate it. Thanks.

given its the older motor, it could be a lot of things...a few bad injectors, and i would be highy suspicious of your injector o rings. they will cause a very hard start followed by a lot of white smoke upon initial start up. after the engine is warm, they usually get pliable enough to seal. another possibility is the simple glow plug relay or you could have a few bad glow plugs themsleves. try pulling codes first as that will possibly give some indication as to where to start and maybe keep us from a wild goose chase......Marc

[Big Johnson]

your timing could be off also all the other guys named just about everything else try it and good luck

[matt_71]

how would I go about pulling some codes???

[mschn99]

you can use a code scanner at autozone. some states require you to rent the scanner....other states allow autozone to scan it for you (autozone will do it for free), all depends on what legislation has been passed. you can also go to a parts house or get a scanner off of ebay. they start off at about thirty bucks for a cheap one and can go over 10grand for a full function one.......its all up to you. also, ask your buddies if they have one. any obd2 code scanner will work........Marc

[matt_71]

Thank you very much. I appreciate everyones help.

[matt_71]

Yes it is white smoke and it does burn your eyes. How do I know for sure if it is air in the fuel system and how do i go about getting it out of there if it is???