Cascade Crew

QwkTrip · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 8:04 am Post subject:

I can make a longer list of common issues with Duramax.

Just because I make a list doesn't mean it happened to me. My 7.3L Superduty had no issues for 6 years. My Chevy Duramax nickel and dimed me to death with something needing fixing every month. Glad to see it go after 6 months. The engine was fine but the truck was falling apart around it.

aaron_sK · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 8:26 am Post subject:

Somehow I feel we've had this debate on here before. Laughing

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

Ya. 1999. I love this truck, and while it is a short bed, it will get a lot of use. And from what I read, I should be able to get another 200k out of it at least. I bougjt a Chilton book for it, so I will start to get to know it. Got the wicked wheel coming for Christmas.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

So earlier it would not start. Would crank and crank, but not fire. Exhaust though would fill up with white smoke. Thick. Never done this since I have had it. Then it just started. Any ideas of where to start with what could be going on?

chevymad · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:32 pm Post subject:

Check the glow plugs and controller.

Alphius · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:40 pm Post subject:

Lift pump?

Did you eventually get it started? Did it run fine after that?

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

Yes eventially started and drove fine to store and back. Started fine after. Bit you do got to give it a bit o gas to start it sometimes.

chevymad · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:50 pm Post subject:

The white smoke is unburnt fuel. Good sign fuel was getting there but motor wasnt warm enough for ignition.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

So with me knowing nothing of diesel, is that a sign of glow plugs going bad. I assume if it does this know , then it wi be worse in winter

aaron_sK · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 2:14 pm Post subject:

Glow plugs or retarded timing.

As B said the thick white smoke is the fuel, so the pump and injectors are functioning.

Ohm the plugs (can be done without uninstalling them).

chevymad · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 2:15 pm Post subject:

Only sign is its hard to start. Did it seem like they cycled on/off too quickly?

I think your engine has the glowplugs under the valve covers. Makes them a bit harder to check. You'll need to figure out which wires are the glow plugs at the valve cover gasket connector. Search your powerstroke forum.. i'm sure this is one of the most popular topics.

Alphius · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 2:18 pm Post subject:

When the lift pump died on my friend's 01 Cummins it ran like crap and spewed thick white smoke. New lift pump and it was all good. Is that not expected?

aaron_sK · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 2:22 pm Post subject:

Dead lift pump = low pressure at the injection pump = retarded injection timing = late burn and white smoke.

Jeremiah's problem is only on cranking when cold, thus an engine heat issue.

Alphius · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 2:33 pm Post subject:

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

They are,under valve covers. They say not to pierce them cause a lot of volts run through them. So I will prob just pull covers and check. For safety reasons

aaron_sK · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 2:39 pm Post subject:

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 3:18 pm Post subject:

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 3:21 pm Post subject:

aaron_sK · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 4:08 pm Post subject:

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 4:11 pm Post subject:

Ahh.

Go crew and staying on topic! LOL