Did I go too far?
 

1977 300D, 115k mi., w/300 psi compression on all five buckets. When I got the car, the timing was way off (retarded!). I set the timing, and now the car smokes pretty bad (bluish white), especially after being driven on the freeway for a bit.

Changed the oil
Changed the air filter
Replaced the fuel injectors
Adjusted the valves
Drained the fuel tank and refilled w/fresh B99

Honestly, I don't remember how bad it smoked before I adjusted the timing, and it only does so now intermittantly (sp?) (startup, after runnning at higher rpm's). I didn't check timing chain stretch.

Valve stem seals? Or should I back the timing off a bit before I dive into that job?

Any input is welcome!

Thanks,
Jay.

Have someone rev it in neutral and attempt to duplicate the white smoke. If it is apparent, smell the smoke.........you're looking for the smell of oil.........or anti-freeze..........or fuel..........with oil being the most likely culprit.

Setting the IP timing you'll find there's a point where smoke changes from blue to black. Retarded seems to make it black, advanced will be blue (or is it vice-versa?). Messed with DIY timing myself for a bit, then broke down and got it professionally done.

oil.
 

The car doesn't seem to use any oil, but I'm guessing valve seals. Thanks, fellas....

Jay.

RE: Did i go too far
 

Injection Timing is very critical for good smoke free performance. Black smoke indicates advanced timing or overfueling, blue/gray indicates slow (retarded) timing and or oil consumption. From what you say I would not suspect too far, maybe not far enough. How did you set it? Also the timing chain stretch needs to be measured so you know where the valve timing is and adjust accordingly. I have been working on these fine diesels since 1972.

In summary, if you are the least bit unsure of what you are doing, maybe you should have it taken care of professionally. A diesel will run with the timing way off, I've personally seen an engine 60 degrees out of time that ran. However upon removing the head found 8 melted pistons (Ford 7.3L), no wonder it started hard! HTH

Drip tube.
 

The timing is spot on. I agree r.e. the timing chain, and think it is time for replacement thereof. However, in this case I believe the valve stem seals to be the culprit.

Thanks!

Jay.

Bluish white smoke also means unburnt fuel. It's a problem with diesels, the fuel and engine oil are similar and come out the tailpipe similar, so it can be difficult to tell the difference. I'd say play with the timing and see where the engine likes to be.

Smell.
 

The smell is wrong. I was pretty set on the seals, but wanted to double check. Again, thanks.

Jay.

For anyone who cares...
 

I replaced the valve stem seals today, and the smoke has been DRASTICALLY reduced. Down to almost nothing, actually. Smells like a biodiesel should, now, too.

Those seals were totally easy! If you haven't done them on your car yet, don't hesitate. I bought the kit from **************, and the tool included worked like butter!

Thanks, again,
Jay.

Any pictures of the job? I've been thinking of doing mine.

No pix.
 

Sorry, I didn't take any. Get the ************** kit. It comes with a booklet with good instructions, the seal-pressing tool, a v/c gasket, little "condoms" to cover the threads on the valve stem, a pair of nitrile gloves (too small for me, unfortunately), and the proper seals for the vehicle.

Basically a glorified valve adjustment. I was a little worried about removal and replacement of the rocker-arm assemblies, but it was very straightforward, and went exactly as described in Mr. Bergsma's little manual.

What a difference! I mean, the car is thirty years old, so a little smoke is to be expected, right? I think with some rebuilt injectors it would be almost smokeless (the ones I put in were just extras I had in the bin).

Really, don't hesitate. Next time you're due for a valve adjustment, budget a couple extra hours (took me about four, total, with air tools) and replace these seals. Just make sure you have a 14mm gear wrench....

Jay.