[cmcelhannon]

When the temperature starts to get below 40 degrees and the truck sits overnight, it starts up 100% of the time with no problem, It's had this problem since the truck was in Georgia and recently in Tucson the weather has been crazy and getting down to the low 30s like in GA winter. When it first fires up it produces white smoke then it usually clears up after a couple of minutes of idling or if I just rev it hard for a little bit. The smoke usually gets worse the colder it gets. Never have this problem when it's above -45f, or if it's been a couple hours since I last started it. It also makes a noise sort of like a jet engine when you rev it, and idles a bit rough, but again all of it clears after a couple of minutes. Now it has 348k miles on it and I don't know if the injectors have been previously replaced, so I think that might be the problem. But what other things could it be other than injectors and how would I test?

 

[NoRalPh]

So ya know it's probably not really "Smoke" ~ right?

The White you see when Cold is Vapor, unburnt Fuel, and happens to diesels when cold because the cylinder temp isn't what it needs to be for a more complete burn. If this is something that's New then chances are it's related to the Glow Plug system which isn't contributing to that Heat as much as it used to.

The last "Sticky" above you is titled "Troubleshooting GPR & GP". Read there for instructions on how to check it all out...

 

[Vice_II]

or if I just rev it hard for a little bit

I would not recommend doing this when the engine is cold. My truck does smoke when it is cold as well. Most older diesels will for a short period at lower temps.

 

[greenskeeper]

When the temperature starts to get below 40 degrees and the truck sits overnight, it starts up 100% of the time with no problem, It's had this problem since the truck was in Georgia and recently in Tucson the weather has been crazy and getting down to the low 30s like in GA winter. When it first fires up it produces white smoke then it usually clears up after a couple of minutes of idling or if I just rev it hard for a little bit. The smoke usually gets worse the colder it gets. Never have this problem when it's above -45f, or if it's been a couple hours since I last started it. It also makes a noise sort of like a jet engine when you rev it, and idles a bit rough, but again all of it clears after a couple of minutes. Now it has 348k miles on it and I don't know if the injectors have been previously replaced, so I think that might be the problem. But what other things could it be other than injectors and how would I test?

What is the condition of your glow plug system?

Have you ever replaced the relay or glow plugs?

If there is no service history, your best bet is to replace all 8 glow plugs with OEM and upgrade the relay to the larger stancor unit.

Since the truck runs fine when warm it is highly doubtful the injectors are the issue. Amarture clearance could be something to look into after you get the glow plug system in order and see how it starts when it gets cold.

 

[John in OkieLand]

when it is Cold, I start it, let it run until the High Idle kicks, foot on brake, Reverse until the tranny catches, foot on brake, go to Drive and let it idle out of the driveway, and run down the mile section lines at about 1500-1800 rpm until it wants to go.... takes about 4 to 5 miles before it is warm enough to run good