White Smoke

[orezok]

White smoke can also be caused by the engine being too cool. If you have ever followed a semi down a long grade, you will see white smoke from the exhaust when they get back on it.

It's possible that your thermostat is not working properly.

 

[Soundguy]

I don't smile much but that there was funny:cool2:

Fred

tell me about it!

 

[willhoff]

The temp gauge is something I rarely check. An occasional look in the summer to see if the tractor is getting hot. I will check the thermostat.
Thank you!!

 

[DeereMann]

what has the outdoors temp been, and when did you first start noticing it? white exhaust smoke is frozen fuel (cold engine) or coolant. Since it stops when you add load (going up hill), it is likely cold engine.

if it didn't smoke during summer, for sure it is cold engine. then you look for causes - poor fuel cetane (new supply?), stuck thermostat, etc.

 

[willhoff]

The white smoke started in the fall before freezing temps. I drained the fuel filter several times and the replaced it with a new filter. The white smoke returned immediately. I couldn't believe the filter would fill that fast. This is when I ask for help. The tractor doesn't work hard. It rakes hay in the summer and feeds hay in the winter. Yesterday I fed hay for three hours trying to get ready for all of the coming mud of January thaw. Three hours run time should have warmed the tractor up. I will pay closer attention to the temp gauge. Thank you.

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

thanks for the extra info.
how many hours are on it?
have you checked the valve clearances or injectors?
Additionally check the turbo.
none of the stuff I mentioned should be dismissed even if no one agrees.
I suspect either excessive wear or carbonization.
If the rings were in like new shape you should get a small puff of oil smoke on cold startup. As the rings should be fluid and freely moving.

 

[willhoff]

I did not check the valves or injectors yet >> here's why. I had a JD 2940 with a loader on it. Last summer that tractor broke past the point of repair so I traded the 2940 off on a 2013 JD 6105. John Deere wanted $10,000 to put a loader the tractor. I didn't have $10,000 for a new loader. Now this JD 6405 is my only loader tractor and it is used on a daily basis to feed cattle. I am intimidated at the thought of disassembling the 6405 because it might take days to repair the head. The turbo is not leaking oil and it sounds good. The tractor does not use oil so I tell myself the rings are good. The JD 6405 has over 6000 hr. on it now. I found a used Quicke loader for the 6105 this week but the mount brackets are for a Massey Ferguson. I have a welder but it will take time.

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

I am with you on that it is a consuming job to track down whats happening. i have 3 tractors and try to keep one ready all the time. I think last year I had time and attention consuming minor repairs to all 3. I need to rebuild a steering assist cylinder before summer, and repack interior lift cylinder rings in another.
I would run it as is and you will get to it. The turbo could be off pressure a bit.
6000 hours is about right for carbon buildup on the rings.
Carbon can burn off if you work it hard (not getting hott) but hard constant work like hay rolling with a big roller.
I have an alo quicke 720 loader on one a very good loader.
not an easy swap to the 6405 keep looking for brackets that fit.
I have mounted 5 loaders over the years to the old style front end and side rail type it was a job but mid mount is altogether different.

 

[willhoff]

I Googled Quicke loaders hoping to find some information on their mounting brackets so to give me an idea how they were setting things up. I found allot of info on the loaders but nothing on the mounting brackets. The brackets for this 970 loader are on a pallet and in a bucket. I have no idea what some parts are for.

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

Brackets are all tractor specifc. Mine is front to rear axle
The 970 will be full length subframe. probably a 3 ton lift capacity.
find one on a tractor or order one from a dealer.
10,000 is not so bad a price for a matched high capacity loader.