Not sure where to best ask this but here goes...

My 04 with 165K is blowing black smoke under heavy acceleration but runs dandy otherwise. I guess I need to have it investigated. The guy I knew in Orlando left town so now I need a mechanic. I do not trust the Dodge dealer to adjust a mirror let alone address this issue. I plan to keep the truck a while and want it running tip top before I do things like paint and interior refurb.

South of the airport (eg St. Cloud) preferable. Any references to offer here?

 

I also posted this with a neighborhood FB page. So far two suggestions, a smaller local shop and a guy who does fleet maintenance and works on the side.
I'm inclined to use the guy doing side work but hmm...
What I need is a diagnosis and some good hands. I'm thinking the "easy" fix is new injectors and that should be easy for someone who has done a few (not me)... the good news is that other than the smoke it starts and runs ok -- so no rush.

 

This sounds more like a 'starving for air' issue than an injector issue. Check the path of the air from the Turbo to the intake manifold looking for leaky intercooler hoses. If you have a boost gauge, that should tell you if you have enough boost or a leak. Other causes for loss of boost is a leaky intercooler or issues with the turbo. I've never worked on a turbo so can't help you there, but if you don't have a boost gauge, I would suggest picking one up at Genos Garage and install it. Pretty easy, straight forward.

On the other hand, it could be over fueling. Check your oil level. Bad over fueling will cause fuel to wash down the cylinder walls and into the oil pan making it look like you overfilled your oil. This isn't good as the diluted oil doesn't lubricate as well as the engine needs. Stop driving it, would be my advice in this case, and send your sticks in for testing and rebuilding.

If you are pretty handy with tools, it isn't all that hard the first time, just take your time. If you do decide to send your injectors out for testing/rebuilding, I've used F1 for my '03 and was happy with the results. They are now called Flux Diesel Injection.

Also take some time to go through these 4 videos on your CTD. You will get some hints at what to look for on your 'ol smokey.
Back to morning brew . . .

 

My X-monitor shows boost, not sure what I need to look for?
I checked my oil and it is not over filled but it is on the high side of normal... hmmm. Maybe need to send it out for analysis?

 

You would be looking for a dramatic drop in boost pressure when you are pushing black smoke. If you don't have the dramatic drop, your boost is probably ok.

OK, there are two tests you can do for diesel in the oil. The first one is a paper test. Some folks swear by it, some say it is bogus. Essentially, you put a drop of oil from the dip stick on a paper towel and watch as it expands. If a lighter ring goes out further than the darker oil, that shows diesel in the oil. Some say the test won't give accurate results on fresh oil, some say it works better on computer white paper.

The second test is extremely accurate but costs more than a piece of paper. Blackstone Labs will send you sample containers for free, with pre-paid postage already attached. Fill a sample container, fill out the included form, pay I think $25-30 (don't remember), send it in. I usually get my results in a few days. I'm happy with them and use them every oil change to keep on top of what the engine is doing. Is it necessary to do it every change? No, but I do it anyway.

Here is a copy of one of my lab results. Fuel in oil is near the bottom.



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