I am looking at buying a 2002 2500 2wd auto with the 24v diesel. when we went to test drive it, it started HARD, and blew white smoke(more than normal). something I've never really seen with the cummins. we let it warm up and then moved on to another truck. when we came back to drive it, we started it and let it run for a couple mins but when we first got it out you could floor it and nothing really happened. A few minutes later, she ran fine like a striped @$$ ape! We asked about it when we got back, and they dealer said it was cold and hadn't been started in about two weeks. Does it sound like the cold and not being started was the problem or does this sound like something more???? Any help would be appreciated before I spend some money.

 

Sounds like something more. Could be as simple as air in the fuel from a pin hole or loose line or it could be a bad VP44 or it could be a bad APPS. I would say take someone with you that has a code scanner but I would bet my next paycheck that any codes were wiped as soon as you left the lot so unless it happens again there will be no smoking gun. If the price was right and you really like the truck get someone to read the codes (Not the dealer, Too much conflict of interest) and then make an informed offer.