LGT14D Smoke

alvanko · Oct 11, 2008

Ok. I have an older Ford diesel mower. Built by Shibuara. 3 cylinder. Runs like a champ.
While mowing for the past few months, I notice a few "puffs" of blue smoke. Never hesitates, stumbles, nothing. Runs strong. Never uses any oil (just changed it). Never looses any coolant. I wonder if an injector is starting to go bad. It runs clean/clear the majority of the time. I have used Power Service, SeaFoam, and occasionally a splash of transmission fluid in the fuel to try to "clean" the fuel system. New fuel filter at the begining of the season (50 hours ago).
What do you think may be the cause of this eratic smoke? Did I mention it runs like a champ?
I would like to do preventative work rather then major overhaul later down the road.

dqdave1 · Oct 12, 2008

You did not mention hours on the engine.

alvanko · Oct 12, 2008

Just broke in at about 1300 hours

dqdave1 · Oct 17, 2008

If your oil level is not going done , I would not worry about it. Mine will show a little blue smoke on cold start up . It has 1400 hours on it. Mine uses about 1/2 quart in 100 hours.

alvanko · Oct 17, 2008

Thanks dqdave1, I was wondering if anyone would ever answer . I'm not worried, I just like preventive maintinance vs repairing a problem.
Mine uses no oil at all.

RickB · Oct 17, 2008

alvanko said:
Ok. I have an older Ford diesel mower. Built by Shibuara. 3 cylinder. Runs like a champ.
While mowing for the past few months, I notice a few "puffs" of blue smoke. Never hesitates, stumbles, nothing. Runs strong. Never uses any oil (just changed it). Never looses any coolant. I wonder if an injector is starting to go bad. It runs clean/clear the majority of the time. I have used Power Service, SeaFoam, and occasionally a splash of transmission fluid in the fuel to try to "clean" the fuel system. New fuel filter at the begining of the season (50 hours ago).
What do you think may be the cause of this eratic smoke? Did I mention it runs like a champ?
I would like to do preventative work rather then major overhaul later down the road.

Check your air filter frequently. The muffler location on these rigs allows the exhaust to "recirculate" through the intake. Typical air filter life is very short.