Caterpillar C-13

[chev]

I have a 2008 Beaver Thunder 45 foot, it has a 2007 Cat C-13 motor, serial is LEE. Only 4,000 miles on the coach. On this trip after driving it 1,200 miles and then parked for 4 weeks we started on our trip home. After starting, idling out of the park to the roadway and accellerating up to 40 mph it was sluggish and I noticed the exhaust was pure white smoke for about 15 seconds, then it cleared up. Checked everything and everything seemed fine. Then 200 miles later stopped at a rest area for lunch, left coach idling. Getting ready to enter the highway and gave it full throttle, same thing huge amount of white smoke for about 10 seconds then cleared up. I am wondering if my engine brake valve was stuck open or if I have some knd of fuel/air problem. Any ideas?

[MaverickBBD]

Did you happen to notice your engine temperature each time. I am wondering if it was below normal operating temp or possibly 'sooted' up exhaust from idling.

[1ciderdog]

Don't know if this will help but I ran a Google seach on white diesel smoke - seems like cold weather or engine below normal operating temperature may be a primary cause for white smoke. (but not the only possible cause of white smoke)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
It's normal to see white exhaust smoke for extended periods of time when it's cold outside. If it gets cold enough outside (like where I live) you never stop seeing white smoke, even when the engine is warmed up and you've been driving for miles.

If the truck is running properly and your coolant level is not dropping (the other major cause of white smoke is burning coolant, but if the coolant level isn't dropping then you aren't burning coolant...) then I wouldn't worry about it.

If your coolant level is dropping and/or the truck isn't running poorly, have it checked out by a pro. Burning coolant often means a head-gasket has gone bad.

[Dadeaux]

I would visit a Cat shop, it might cost you a few bucks to learn it is not a problem but that will be a lot cheaper than a fix if something blows.

[rver98]

Since it happened both when the engine was cold (white smoke can be normal until engine warm up) and warm there might be a concern. White smoke can indicate a possible blown head gasket. It might not be a bad idea to have Cat check it out before more issues arise.

Good luck!

[chev]

the first time it blew white smoke the motor was not warm but it wasnt cold either. The second time it happened the motor was warm. As of recent, it did it again after I stopped for fuel but only for 2 seconds. Not since then. I did consult with mechanics on line and paid the fee. They thought I might have an air leak at the fuel pump. Another possibility is my engine brake valve. I failed to turn it off before parking the rig 5 weeks ago. Sometimes that valve will stick open and cause this kind of problem. Still on the road heading home to Las Vegas will continue to monitor the problem. Thanks for the help. Any more advice is welcome

[MaverickBBD]

From you description it does not sound solely a temperature thing. Do continue to monitor and maybe give Cat. a call at 800.447.4986 on your way to get their opinion.

I agree you should definitely have it looked at when you get home. I would be curious to see if there were any fault codes.

Keep us informed how it turns out.

[timdriver]

I had that happen to my C7,twice,the weather was cold. The white smoke lasted about 15 seconds and was quite a cloud. I took it to Caterpillar and they checked it out. They replaced 2 injectors, one bad the other marginal. Caterpillar replaced them under warranty, Cat warranty, and it hasn't happened since. The coach had 26,000 miles at the time and I thought this was odd for this to happen at this low mileage. It didn't run bad just a lack of power.