I did a diesel purge today and then replaced my fuel filters as an attempt to stop the excessive smoking in my '82 300TD. During the purge, there was virtually no smoke coming out--something I've never seen since I bought the car! However, as soon as I put in the new filters and began running the engine normally again, the smoke began billowing out once again. I know there are many reasons why it could be smoking, but does it rule out any suspects due to the fact that it was completely smoke-free during the purge?

What color smoke are you seeing?
Does it smoke all the time, or just when at normal temperature?

What color is the smoke?
Last valve adjustment?
Is the air filter clean?

It sounds like a marginal set of injectors.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

You wan't to talk about smoke.

Jimmy would be thrilled to talk to you about smoke:


http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=122552&page=1&pp=20

The smoke is most definitely white, and seems to be coming out excessively at all times--when it starts, during idle, acceleration, and even once at normal running temperature. To be honest, I haven't been driving it a whole lot since I bought it because the smoke is so bad. But, the guy I bought it from said he needs to fill it with oil quite often. I've had it for just less than a month and have not adjusted valves or cleaned the air filter. I was just thinking since the smoke cleared up during the purge, maybe that points someone in an obvious direction for the culprit? Thanks guys

Ok do this first:
Adjust valves
replace air filter
do a diesel purge and change the fuel filters

Run it! Diesels will smoke and run like crap if they sit. I bet with the above stuff and daily use it would run many times better.

If it still smokes after the simple stuff then it is time to move on to other things.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200