I just got my '97 CTD and have done a few simple mods. The truck is basically stock except for a straight pipe to replace stock muffler and cat and a BHAF. Didn't notice before but after installing the straight pipe put it wide open and around 2200 rpm or so it pops and puffs wite/blue-ish colored smoke. Another buddy of mine has a 96 ctd with dual straight pipes and his does it too. Is this normal or is there a problem? I'm new to this game so just wanna make sure not an injector or fuel problem of sorts. Thanks.

 

Maybe it is a bad overflow valve?

If you don't have a gauge symptoms are:
low RPM miss/instability
white smoke
hard starting
engine dies at idle
low power
fuel filter cracking

 

BoostdCTD: Boost is right check your fuel pressure first.
Second thing would be to get your timing set, I have seen timing be 6-8* off from the factory.

 

mine use to do that. Would make a poping noise and puff a little bit of smoke til it warmed up. My was a timing issue. I figured that out after having to replace the gear housing b/c of the KDP.

 

What is the ideal timing? Mine only has 128k miles. Mine does it even if warmed up. It starts great and runs fine. I plan on getting gauges including fuel pressure as soon as $$$ permits but I'll see if I can have a buddy hook up a guage and see what it is currently. What is the ideal fuel psi? Thanks.

 

I personally put mine back to stock using the timing pins. Its never done it since.

 

You dont need a fuel pressure gauge on your 12V, pyro and boost are the two important ones. Fuel pressure ussually isnt necessary, if you owned a 24v then its necesity but not the 12v.


Stock timing is stamped on the Engine ID plate and should be somewhere between 12-14*


If it is white smoke with popping odds are it is timing related. Take it into a good performance shop and have them time it to 16* between that and 17* on your pump seem to be the sweet spots. should only cost in the $100-150 ballpark. It does make a difference.

 

Sounds good. Can timing be all that hard? I work on HD truck cummins quite a bit so alot of stuff is very similar. Is there a book or instructions and I'm sure I can do it.

 

Timing the inline pump can be a real pain. It involves pulling the gear that's pressed onto the tapered pump shaft, turning the engine x degrees, then tightening the gear back onto the shaft. Quite often the shaft can slip in the gear and give you 60 or so degrees. Sometimes it's a 20 minute job, once in a while it takes hours.

 

Here is a thing on the overflow valve, maybe it isn't as most people agree it to be a timing issue but none the less.... http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1996/14-07-96.htm

How to set the timing;
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1994/18-10-94a.htm

 

If you havent already changed the fuel filter since you got the truck that could be the problem I would check that its easy and cheap.

 

my thoughts exactly so I just picked up a new fuel filter yesterday. Haven't had a chance to install it yet though

 

Mine used to do the same thing.

Changed Timing to 17*
Replaced injectors with Bosch 300's
Replaced Overflow Valve and fuel filters.

NOW, it still does it, but not as bad once warmed up. If you rev it up, it will crackle and pop between 2000-2250, then smooth out, but stilll white smokes clear to the redline.

Sound like a fuel pressure problem? I've never cleaned the pre-filter screen either, could this help?

Thanks Guys,
Chris

 

Whatever became of this problem, truck a buddy of mines doin bout the same thing, and I'm not the slickest with 12v's at present.

 

Make sure you don't have any fuel leaks where you good be sucking air in.