I had an air leak fixed in my fuel system a few months ago. It was in the connection for the preheater. The mechanic bypassed the preheater and disconnected it said it doesn't get cold enough around here to know its even gone. I also had the timing checked and it is at 13.5 degrees. My problem now is when I first start up especially when its cold out the truck runs really rough and puts out a lot of white smoke, not so much when its warm out, but if its 30's or 40's if I depress the throttle any at all till it runs a few minutes you can't see the truck or anything around it. It also spits and sputters when the rpms start to get high especially when it shifts from 1st to second. Could no preheater be the reason for start up troubles or do I still have an air leak, is the high end miss and sputter due to timing needing to be advanced. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

You shouldn't need a fuel heater unless the temps are below 10F and even then you don't need it if running winter fuel or additive.
My first suspicion would be low fuel pressure. If you don't have the means to check the pressure just replace the overflow valve. This assumes your filter is clean.
5 minute, one wrench job to replace it.

You won't find a better price.
Precision Diesel Injection and Turbo Inc.
Marty Tompkins
888-734-7349
$35 + $7 shipping and handling.

Object at lower left is the oil fill cap

 

Thanks for the advice I'll try to get one of those ordered. Thanks again. Greg.

 

Got my new overflow valve installed today, started up and immediately noticed how much smoother it idled, truck is running great. May not be my only problem but it sure did help. Thanks Infidel for the advice and thanks Piers for the quick and courteous service.