Oil & Fuel white smoke from exhaust

[Tibbits]

i know this is in TBN somewhere, but I couldn't find it. when I throttle up my L3430 I get a quick puff of white smoke from the exhaust, then its clear. most evident when I throttle up quickly. is this normal or an indication of a problem?

2007, 130 hrs, I suspect only 1 oil change done before 118 hrs. and 2010, all service up to date since 120 hrs., rotella

 

[beenthere]

Sounds like the weather temps are on the cool side. Where are you located?

Does it do it on all starts, or just the cold starts?

 

[Tibbits]

I'm in the central part of NC. mid 80s or higher for the last several weeks. I notice the smoke most at cold start and when I throttle up from idle after the engine is warm. its only for a second, then clears up.

 

[Jay4200]

I'm in the central part of NC. mid 80s or higher for the last several weeks. I notice the smoke most at cold start and when I throttle up from idle after the engine is warm. its only for a second, then clears up.

My L4200 does the same thing - although mine has 2500 hours on it, so I figured it was just a bit of blow-by. At 130 hours, I'd doubt it is the same thing.

JayC

 

[Thomas]

Maybe the inside of exhaust muffler is dump with fuel.
Heat the muffler by applying load to the engine.
............................................................
Injection nozzle trouble.
Check the injection nozzle.
............................................................
Poor quality is poor.
Change the fuel and fuel filter.
...........................................................

Do keep us updated.

 

[Transit]

White smoke could be from water in the fuel. Do not rely on the sediment bowl to catch the water.

 

[kuboman]

I'm in the central part of NC. mid 80s or higher for the last several weeks. I notice the smoke most at cold start and when I throttle up from idle after the engine is warm. its only for a second, then clears up.

Sounds like maybe the injectors have some wear. Somebody at some point ran some water or dirt through them. If it is just for a second at start up and throttle-up I would not worry.

 

[Tibbits]

I changed the fuel filter about a month ago - no sign of water but it may have had water in the past. the engine runs fine even under load. I'll watch the exhaust color more closely in the future when it's under load. usually when I'm at higher throttle I'm watching... my own ***** closely for smoke!

 

[Transit]

Forgot to ask, does the engine stumble or miss when you see the white smoke?

 

[leonz]

You most likely have a bit of residual fuel left on top of the cylinders and it was not consumed when the engine was started.

If you see more and more white smoke in a continuos basis you have a fuel problem(water) or an injection pump issue if it is an indirect injection engine.


Is this engine direct injection or indirect injection?






If you suspect water( which is always common) you should invest in a Racor 1100 diesel fuel water separator installed prior to the fuel filters and it will spin out the water and dirt to 5 micron or less if desired and the clear sediment bowl will allow you to see how much dirt and water you are removing from your fuel the year round and You might be lucky to change a fule filter in 5 years in the Racor unit- I would change the original fuel filters if you install a racor unit and no worries.

Or remove them if they are drop in cartridge filters as you will no longer need them with the Racor unit.