My 2001 E350 167k would smoke like a steam train after it starts for about 10 minutes or so. This started about December until Now. Even in this warm weather it don't like to start cold. Today I changed out my glow plugs, valve cover gaskets with wires, then I changed out my GPR and now it starts great except that it still smokes but not too badly but bad enough that it looks like I am fogging for mosquitoes. Also smoke blows out the breather tube pretty heavy if I pull off the 3/4 hose. I'm pretty mechanical except that I don't know how to tell if its the injectors, rings, turbo seals, etc. Now what I did notice is that when i had the valve covers off, three of the four injectors were anodized goldish in color and one was black. This was the same on the other side too. I'm assuming someone replaced injectors before. Or possibly I have no idea what I am saying or thinking.
Anyone know of any kind of tests I can perform? I looked at alot of videos but none really said "hey if your engine smokes, check this part". Your help is greatly appreciated.
Two other things I forgot to mention in my quest for help. This winter I did have to use some starting fluid sparingly this winter for it to start in -20 weather here in MN. And not starter fluid related but durring starting once in cold weather the motor "backfired" and blew up that extra air box that sits on top of the engine. This is a Van. You know, looks like an air filter box but without an air filter. Then some of the pieces went into the turbo chipping off the teeth and I assume those teeth and plastic parts went into the engine. That was a few months ago and I drive this van every day.

 

Alright Everyone. I made a video at YouTube of the smoke. Now all I need to do is figure out how to copy, paste, link, something like that right here so you can diagnose this problem I am having.

 

White smoke and blowby would indicate possibly low compression. I'd have the compression tested.

 

Here is the Video showing the smoke

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I'll have to wait for the video to download but looking at the picture that shows up and listening to your description, you need to rebuild the turbo. You've probably got black oily soot on the side of your van just above where the tailpipe is.

I'd guess your problem is going to continue to get worse until the turbo seals finally let go and you really start burning oil. That chipped up wheel spins up to 130,000 rpm's. Having missing or bent parts throws it out of balance and causes other parts to break. Check your shaft for in and out play.

Edit: Saw the video. Guess I was wrong about the oily stain by the tail pipe. I did enjoy the video since you show the van motor set up pretty well. Side note: Looks like you've got some leaks at the up pipes so consider some bellowed up pipes or at least replacing the gaskets soon.

The smoke under the hood seemed normal from the CCV. Is there any pressure behind the smoke? You can test this by just removing the oil cap and holding your hand over the hole. Do you feel any pressure there or is it just smoking?

 

Thanks for the Advice F350 6
Good eye, didn't think anyone notice the tiny puffs coming from the up pipes. I'll make sure i check the oil cap tomorrow.