350 SDL Engine Mis-Fire Question
 

Okay here is an odd one, I know about the rod problems with the 3.5L Diesels but what I haven't seen or heard of what is currently happening to me. When I am driving the car on the highway once in awhile it will cut out and blow a huge cloud of smoke and then the engines kicks back in. When this occurs it would remind you of a gas engine timing/backfire type of problem. Since I am diesel challenged, can diesels backfire and if so I am guessing it is a bad thing so how would I fix it? If this isn't a backfire can someone shed light on what might be happening? Finally is this possibly one of the intial symptoms that my rod is starting to give way in the engine? Thanks is advance for all advice......Phil

Phil:

Bent rod syndrome is accompanied by a terrible clank, sudden oil consumption, and usually blue smoke/lousy performance.

Intermittant power loss with black smoke means either valve problems or, more likely, an injector sticking open. Run some diesel injector cleaner through the tank and see if that helps. If not, time to see someone about rebuilding (or at least checking) in the injectors.

Peter

Peter thanks for your response. I have been running roughly 8 ounces of injector cleaner/cetane booster with every tank of fuel. I think that has helped immensely in that when the car is runing right it is very smooth. I will have the injectors checked. Thanks very much.......Phil

Try the Diesel Forum too.