So I've been trying to do some research on my issue but haven't really had much luck.

I'm not new to diesels (had an 89' IDI) but the computer contolled powerstrokes are new to me. Just bought the truck a year ago and not too long after that installed a Tymar 3" DP. Truck has 170,000 miles on it currently and is a 96' F350 dually.

Truck starts and runs fine but once first started and while it's idling it just smokes more than I think is normal. It smells of diesel and really started noticing it shortly after I installed the DP and "off road pipe". The obvious reason of no more cat came to mind but I am just wanting to know if this is normal or I have some other problem.

I was wondering if maybe there was some basic maint I might need to do to help with this issue. Was reading up on injector o-rings and wondering if that may help.

Once the truck has warmed up the smoke goes away and it doesn't smell as bad. I know diesels smoke and it's not a problem it just seems to be a little excessive to me.

Any help would be appreciated

Here's a pic of the truck...

 

do you have a video of it? Smoke is normal on diesels. What color is it? Where at in Washington are you? How long until its gone? Does it go away when you start driving it?

 

I am in Chehalis, WA

I could prolly get a video of it and yes it goes away by the time I get to the corner after I start driving it.

 

what color is it? Are you going through any oil? If not i'd say your seeing normal diesel smoke.

 

It's a blueish/grey, smells heavily of fuel but not using what I would consider a noticable amount of oil.

I am thinking it's just because the cat is gone but wanted to ask around.

 

Smoke Analysis

White smoke:

Caused by unburned fuel passing through the engine. Some white smoke is normal on cold start-ups. Excessive white smoke could be an indication of inoperative glow plugs, loose injectors, low compression from worn rings or bent connecting rods, or coolant leak into the cylinders--head gasket or injector well sleeves.

Black smoke:

Caused by excessive fuel for the amount of air drawn into the cylinders. Some black smoke on hard accelerate or at higher altitudes is normal. Excessive black smoke could result from restricted intake or exhaust, inoperative leaking or weak turbo, intake hose(s) leaks, leaking or worn injectors, fuel return or supply restriction, stuck Exhaust Back Pressure Regulator valve or solenoid. Also PCM inputs such as BARO MAP ICP or EBP sensors.

Blue or blue/white smoke:

Caused by insufficient fuel or oil consumption. Normal when engine is cold or idling for extended periods. Excessive smoke could be caused by air in the fuel, contaminated fuel, loose or plugged injectors, worn or leaking injector o-rings, thermostat stuck open, oil consumption, or plugged crankcase depression regulator valve. Also PCM inputs such as MAP or ICP sensors.


So with 170k, if those injectors are still factory, it could be wearing orings. I know mine are worn and i get blue/grey smoke but it clears up in about 15-30 seconds or so.

 

Sounds pretty typically for a startup on these older diesels.

I'd check and make your your GPR and glow plugs are working correctly. O - rings are a could possibility.

I wouldn't worry about it to much until you start smoking out the whole neighborhood.

I redid my o-rings and injectors about 17k ago and I have always had smoke at start up. It's the nature of these oil burners.