So i recently bought a 91 f350 with a banks sidewinder turbo on it. I needed a work truck and the price was cheap. It was leaking oil from the valley pan so i pulled it apart and replaced the valley pan. This went well, but after putting it all back together i am blowing black smoke if i blip the throttle or also when overdrive kicks in if I am on a hill it will blow continually until i accellerate further (downshift) or until i press the overdrive of button. The truck runs fine, but it just smokes. i am still leaking fluids, diesel from the return lines (o-rings) i suspect, i have a new set ordered. I also have transmission fluid leaking somewhere and possibly some oil. It doesn't leak a lot anymore, but still a few drops. i don't need it to run perfectly, but i would like it to run efficiently and not smoke. I am mechanically inclined but this is my first diesel, so this is a learning experience for me. I know i need to get the IP timing done, but is that alone what would be causing the smoke, or would it be related to injectors, turbo, etc. Is this something that someone could point me down the right road to work on or should i just take it to a mechanic? Also can anybody recomend a good mechanic in the Portland, OR area preferably close to oregon city?

 

Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums Here is a link to the page for your engine. Probably better to ask the experts there.
Black smoke is usually caused by either over fuelling or by a restricted air intake. So check that the air filter is good and that all air intake pipes are clear and not kinked.

 

Did the truck have a programmer installed on it? Programmers will cause it to smoke for effect. Returning the program to stock will stop it from smoking if one is in fact installed

 

x2 with Lazy K. I'm not sure about the IDI diesels, but i know that the 94.5-97 diesels come stock with rediculous amounts of restriction on flow, which could be the culprit source of your smoke. restricted intake, smoke outlet. for our (94.5-97) trucks, replacing the intake and DP makes an incredible amount of difference! but like i said, i don't really know the IDI's, so your best bet is to take this thread to their forum.

I would like to say that i recommend doing the work yourself. it may take you a little longer, but it'll save your money AND you'll get to learn about your truck. I've learned that it really doesn't matter how tough the job is, with the guys on these forums, you can get enough info to do ANY job!!!

 

With it being an IDI, there's no possible way for him to have a programmer on it, because it runs completely mechanical, with no electrical wiring or programming going into the engine other than sensors.