Last week, I was warming the engine and after idling for about fifteen minutes, it started to sputter and blow some white/blue smoke. An error code of PO281 came up. I changed the fuel filters but no difference. After driving for 100 miles and not getting great mileage, I added some diesel fuel conditioner. Immediately, the truck drove fine. Drove the truck another 1,000 miles without any problems. Started it today to warm it up, started running rough and PO281 code came up again. Code is cylinder 7 contribution balance.

My guess is water in the fuel lines and throwing off the amount of fuel going to injector #7?

It's in the teens at night here, thirties during the day. The truck has 50K on a new engine. (New factory engine came with everything but the turbo & EGR)

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike Pop
Eureka, NV

 

Clearly that sounds like an injector going bad.

 

Hi Mike,

I think you have an injector problem. Cylinder 7 is right next to the HPFP!

 

Ok...so what is the HPFP?

50K on the new engine/new injectors. Is this normal?

I have a 3 yr unlimited mileage warrantee.

 

HPFP = High Pressure Fuel Pump. this is what supplies high pressure fuel to your injectors.

Nope. Not common at all, it sounds like a filtration problem or a manufacturing defect. How frequently did you change your fuel filters? What brand of filter kit was used? Who did the work?

And that makes this issue not your problem. I suggest taking it to your dealer for proper diagnosis.

 

Oil & filter change every 5K miles. Fuel filters every 10K.

 

if the motor came complete and was not warranty then the repair should be covered.
sounds like a failed #7 or a uvc has gone bad.

UVC= under valve cover harness.

 

As long as you have the records for proper maintance and you drain your separator monthy you should be fine.