White smoke from new generator

offthewall · 01-05-2011, 01:21 PM

I've got a brand new Itasca Meridian V Class 34Y with a 6,000-watt Cummins Onan® Quiet Diesel™ generator. When the generator starts a huge cloud of white smoke comes out of the tail pipe. After that first plume, there is no further smoke.

The generator runs fine. Is this normal? Oil overfill? Something to be concerned about?

Thanks.

1ciderdog · 01-05-2011, 01:31 PM

I looked up white diesel smoke a little while ago o the internet - they (whoever they are) say white smoke is very normal at start up for diesel engines.

**Route 66** · 01-05-2011, 01:36 PM

I don't believe it's normal for a new Onan.

Mine doesn't do it and I don't recall seeing other new ones do it.

I'd get in touch with Onan.

GaryKD · 01-05-2011, 05:29 PM

I'm with Route 66. No smoke should be coming from the exhaust.

The only exception might be very cold weather. What is the outside temperature when starting the generator?

offthewall · 01-05-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

I'm with Route 66. No smoke should be coming from the exhaust.

The only exception might be very cold weather. What is the outside temperature when starting the generator?

Cold, below freezing. 20-30 deg F. We are in NJ :(

GaryKD · 01-05-2011, 05:50 PM

Call Onan to be on the safe side. Gut feel says there is nothing wrong. Once you get to above 60 degrees, try it again. There should be no smoke.

Roadhawgs · 01-05-2011, 06:04 PM

Possibly break-in oil, since it's new. Just a guess

VanDiemen23 · 01-05-2011, 06:43 PM

White smoke=water
Black smoke=fuel
Blue smoke=oil

I've seen brown, and within seconds the motor blew.

Most likely condensation, especially if it goes away when warm. unlikely (but possible) is a leak that closes when hot.

mfire1339 · 01-05-2011, 07:15 PM

white smoke could also be small amount of coolant. Not good

Mike

autofish · 01-05-2011, 08:08 PM

This white smoke is normal from a cold start diesel it is unburt fuel.

dynaride99 · 01-05-2011, 08:26 PM

I would not think to much about the smoke at start up on a new gen set in NJ this time of year. Most likely unburnt fuel at start up. Many factors to consider with smoke. Ring condition (not seated yet) new, scored or stuck rings (old or abused), coolant leakage, fuel injectors dripping or coked. I would run the unit under some load and watch it. On a warmer day see how it starts. After a few hours of running I would restart it while it was still warm and on a warmer day and then see if the condition still exsist. A call to Onan would not a bad idea if only to raise the condition in the event that there is a problem and to ease your concern. It is a large investment to ignor.

KIX · 01-05-2011, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offthewall

Cold, below freezing. 20-30 deg F. We are in NJ :(

You will get white smoke from diesel engines upon start up when it's as cold as you say.......unless you use your engine heater. It's normal

powerboatr · 01-05-2011, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offthewall

Cold, below freezing. 20-30 deg F. We are in NJ :(

those temps the combustion can is still cold so its just un burnt fuel that was only warm enough to smoke, if it clears right up...don't worry about it

offthewall · 01-06-2011, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerboatr

those temps the combustion can is still cold so its just un burnt fuel that was only warm enough to smoke, if it clears right up...don't worry about it

Yes, it is just one big smoke plume on startup. Clears up immediately.