Smoke - is my engine tuned?
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Smoke - is my engine tuned?
A few weeks ago I bought a 2004 F350 ex fleet truck for cheap because I wanted to put the engine in my other truck, which is blown. Turns out I like this truck and I probably won't steal the engine.
Anyway, I've noticed that if I stomp on the throttle really hard, I get a puff of black smoke. Will a stock 6.0 engine do that? Is that a sign that my engine has been tuned? It still has a full stock exhaust, cat and all. This one seems to have much better throttle response than my other one did. Maybe it just feels faster because it's a light weight single cab 2WD...
Is there any other way to tell if it's not running the factory tunes? Seems odd that this truck would be tuned, it is totally stock, fleet truck. As far as I know I am the second owner.
Or does the smoke indicate any other problem? It seems to run really good otherwise. About 190,000 miles. My other 6.0 never smoked.
Anyway, I've noticed that if I stomp on the throttle really hard, I get a puff of black smoke. Will a stock 6.0 engine do that? Is that a sign that my engine has been tuned? It still has a full stock exhaust, cat and all. This one seems to have much better throttle response than my other one did. Maybe it just feels faster because it's a light weight single cab 2WD...
Is there any other way to tell if it's not running the factory tunes? Seems odd that this truck would be tuned, it is totally stock, fleet truck. As far as I know I am the second owner.
Or does the smoke indicate any other problem? It seems to run really good otherwise. About 190,000 miles. My other 6.0 never smoked.
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The question is "why"??? That is not normal for a 6.0 engine. All the stock ones I've seen never have any smoke at all.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Gilmer, TX.
That depends on how hard you're romping on the throttle. The turbo runs off of the exhaust gases, and spools up to increase the air going into the engine.
Black smoke is unburned diesel.
When you romp on it, you're putting more fuel into the engine than it is currently receiving enough air to properly combust.
It's called "turbo lag".
If you think there's a problem, then look at the turbo. It may be in need of a rebuild.
Black smoke is unburned diesel.
When you romp on it, you're putting more fuel into the engine than it is currently receiving enough air to properly combust.
It's called "turbo lag".
If you think there's a problem, then look at the turbo. It may be in need of a rebuild.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
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From: Middle Tn.
If its running that good, I wouldn't screw with it. I could occasionally get a puff of smoke on my 6.0 under sudden hard acceleration. Remember, If it ain't broke don't fix it.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: St. Libory
My 05 started smoking like you describe on take off. I thought it was normal at first as it only did it when I punched it taking off. Then I noticed it was starting to do it more and more. I started watching my boost and found it was lagging behind bad at first. I googled the cleaning procedure and pulled the turbo. That made a world of difference. If you have an International truck dealer around your area they have kits that include everything you need to remove, clean, and re-install turbo. Remember, our 6.0 is their VT365.
However, if it's only minimal smoke, and doesn't continue to get worse then I wouldn't worry about it.
A ScanGauge or the Torque app or something similar is a good investment for these rigs.
Good luck with your 6.0! I love mine!
However, if it's only minimal smoke, and doesn't continue to get worse then I wouldn't worry about it.
A ScanGauge or the Torque app or something similar is a good investment for these rigs.
Good luck with your 6.0! I love mine!
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It's interesting that you say there could be something with the turbo. I notice on this truck I don't feel the constant turbo lag the stock 6.0 is known for. That's another reason I thought it might be tuned. Also getting 18-20 MPG on the highway.
I can't tell if this truck is faster because it is smaller and weighs less than my other one or if it's because the engine is stronger.
I can't tell if this truck is faster because it is smaller and weighs less than my other one or if it's because the engine is stronger.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Middle Tn.
It's interesting that you say there could be something with the turbo. I notice on this truck I don't feel the constant turbo lag the stock 6.0 is known for. That's another reason I thought it might be tuned. Also getting 18-20 MPG on the highway.
I can't tell if this truck is faster because it is smaller and weighs less than my other one or if it's because the engine is stronger.
I can't tell if this truck is faster because it is smaller and weighs less than my other one or if it's because the engine is stronger.
I like diesels but...
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
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From: BC Canada
I wonder if EGR valve is starting to stick, sensors plugged a bit. This is what happened to me, it was EGR valve and cleaning MAP, MAF, IAT2, EBP. That's without any mods, never any smoke, even with Atlas 40 FICM tune, still negligee, barely ever see it, I only go full throttle most of the time.
You could also need to clean VGT on turbo, or have VGT valve failing but if this is the only symptom perhaps just watch it...
Your single cab, will be lighter and peppier too. My crew short box single wheel 4*4 weights in 8780 lbs with full fuel tank, driver and tool box full.
You could also need to clean VGT on turbo, or have VGT valve failing but if this is the only symptom perhaps just watch it...
Your single cab, will be lighter and peppier too. My crew short box single wheel 4*4 weights in 8780 lbs with full fuel tank, driver and tool box full.
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