I have a 2003 that smokes alot when I start it up. During the summer it would always belch white/blue smoke for a couple seconds during a cold engine start up. This morning I went to start it up, 30 degrees (I can't plug it in since I live in a condo), let it warm up for 10-15 minutes and it smoked heavy at first but thinned out. Once I got in it and began to drive it started smoking (still white/blue) really heavy again all the way up until it just hit the warm tick mark. I traded my 7.3 in for this truck and understand the diesel "puff" at start up but this seems a little excessive. Like I said, even in the summer with temps above 90 degrees I would still get a truck sized cloud of smoke at startup, but it would only happen on a cold engine, never on a warm one. Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions.

 

Mine does it when cold, only for second then it is gone......

 

Hmmm....
are you High altitude as well as cold ????

I can't say much about a cold startup since it rarely gets what YOU'D call cold here...
but I've never noticed any smoke at normal startup....

Now, when I punch it hard from a stop with the predator... it will

 

I do live outside of Denver, CO; about 5500 feet above sea level. I have the predator as well and do like to watch the black smoke roll on demand but the white/blue smoke seems excessive. This morning I just went to warm it up and counted a full 12 seconds of smoke and it is 44 degrees outside, not exactly cold. I don't understand why it only does it on a cold engine. Obviously it is more extreme at lower temps but I would say I get at least a five second stream of smoke even if the temps are in the 80-90 range.

 

What flash level are you at? The December 03 RC8 flash had a couple of high altitude improvements. You might also want to use Stanadyne Performance Formula fuel additive.

 

I have the SCMT and with one of the tunes loaded, or with the stock tune, I've never seen that kind of smoke even on the rare day here where it gets down to 44 deg.

We are at sea level though and that may make some difference.

 

I am not sure what flash I have. I just got my truck out of the dealership (Oct. 20) for a broken mirror switch and for them to "fix" my smoking problem. They obviously didn't fix the smoking but I am a construction contractor and literally can not live without my truck. The invoice said they reprogramed the PCM so I assume I have the latest falsh, as of Oct. 20 anyway. I did notice a new symptom today on the way to work though. The truck was was up to full operating temperature and I got on it to get into traffic, after I looked in the mirror to change lanes I noticed the white/blue smoke was back. It seemed to start smoking at WOT but then kept smoking for the next 20-30 seconds, reguardless of throttle position. Today is the first time I have noticed it with a warm engine.

 

Some of the folks here are work are trying to quit smoking using patch

Smoking like that when it is up to temp just isn't normal. Other than the smoke how does the truck run?

 

The patch did wonders for me. I actually used it to quit chewing Copenhagen after 12 years. Wish it would work for my truck. The truck runs great other than the smoke. The only other issue I have with it is that it has dead spots in acceleration. I usually don't have a problem with it unless I am going up a grade, right around 60-65 mph. If I get on it, the truck will do nothing, RPM's don't go up, no down shift, nothing. The pedal will go all the way to the floor and nothing happens for at least 5-10 seconds. It almost got me into trouble because I was trying to pass a car on the highway. Under normal circumstances I would have been off like a shot but I really ticked off the guy I eventually cut off. It usually doesn't effect me that much, I have just learned to start accelerating before I change lanes to make sure my 6.0 has the same plan as I do.

 

Now THAT sounds like it may be wire chafing.....

 

Here are some things from the diagnostic charts:

Diagnostic Methods Parameter Identification (PID). With KOEO, SELECT Parameter Identification (PID). SELECT PIDs: EP, MAP and BARO. If any PID values/readings deviate from atmospheric pressure in your locale by more than 10 kPa (1.5 psi), GO to the appropriate pinpoint test for the sensor with the largest difference.

Note: Some white tailpipe exhaust smoke is a normal condition at start-up with temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or with an extended idle in a cool climate.
START engine. If exhaust smoke is white, GO to next step. If exhaust smoke is black, CHECK for charge air cooler restrictions.

DRAIN fuel tank. ADD known high quality diesel fuel to tank. If the amount of smoke is decreased, ADVISE operator of need for higher quality fuel.

NOTE: Ensure the vehicle temperature is stabliized (no cold or hot soak conditions exist). Verify no accessories are in use (engine block or oil heaters).

CHECK operation of: intake air temperature (IAT) sensor, manifold air temperature (MAT) sensor, engine oil temperature (EOT) sensor and engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. If the sensor temperature readings are not within 12 degrees, REFER to the applicable pinpoint test in Section 5 .

It could also be individual cylinders with leaking glow plug or leaking injectors.

 

SBV45,
Thank you for all the info. I planned on living with the smoke since the dealership figured they fixed it. But after it smoking today, after it was fully warmed up, I know there is something definately wrong. I just assumed with all the problems with these engines, someone had to have the same problem as I am having and they could help me point the technician in the right direction. Thanks everybody.

 

Welcome, that is what this site is all about. I got that info from the Ford Service Manual PC/ED section on diagnostics. I would suspect you need to talk with the diesel tech and/or service manager at your dealership. Or, you might find another dealer.

 

its about 50 in the morning and my truck will smoke blue for about 5 seconds heavy then thin out but smoke just a little for about 5-7min.

 

I've noticed the same thing on my 05, blue/white smoke on startup, then it thins out after a minute or so. I've also noticed my truck not getting as good as fuel mileage as it was before. My first tank I got around 475 miles, but now I'm getting around 380-390. Don't know whats going on, and this is my first diesel so I'm clueless about it. Any ideas?