3016 cranks but won't start

[thepumpguysc]

I can see why you would think that.. white smoke=steam=water..
but I think it might just be coincidence.. GENERALLY, white smoke on start-up is unburnt fuel.. could be fuel QUALITY OR a cold engine.

 

[RNeumann]

Thx for the info pumpguy. I tried to find more info on the topic and found this:
Read Those Smoke Signals | Cruising World

Is this accurate?

 

[Wagtail]

Thx for the info pumpguy. I tried to find more info on the topic and found this:
Read Those Smoke Signals | Cruising World

Is this accurate?

Generally... although some of the 'causes' provided are marine specific due to the source/audience of the article.

Here's one I found: Reading Exhaust Smoke, basic Diesel diagnosis/Troubleshooting + related comments - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

They mention 'contaminated fuel', which can be water from condensation. Which is why you check and drain (if required) your fuel-bowl.

Short story (I promise): I was helping friends bring in rounds of hay. It was running late for the day and they needed to quit for the day and tend to other farm chores. I said I'd finish the paddock I was in but, to be on the safe side, could I get a top-up of diesel. Well, the young-bloke couldn't get their ute-mounted diesel transfer bowser to work... so he went and grabbed a canister from another location and poured it in, then left as he was running late.

10 minutes later I was dead in the field. The canister was water that smelled of diesel.

I drained the tank and the next day = new fuel filter, fresh diesel, bled the injectors + a lot of cranking-over. Back to life and on with the job. But I did get one instance of power-loss and an almighty belch of white smoke! The tractor ran fine after that.