How much do your Cummins VT-903’s smoke when cold?

[sgharford]

For all you Hat owners lucky enough to have Cummins VT-903’s installed , how long do yours smoke when cold? Mine smoke like banshees (white smoke, no oil burning) until temp gauges start budging off pins if idling (about 100 degrees), and are reduced by at least ½ when I put them in gear when cold. On calm days I can see sheen of unburnt diesel on water at exhaust. When engines warm there is no smoke at idle or higher rpms. Understand it’s somewhat ‘normal’ for turbo engines to smoke at cold idle due to lower natural compression ratio, cold block, and turbo’s not making much if any compression at low rpm.

I bought the tools to do injector and valve clearances on ebay over winter. Was thinking of saving that project for end of season but if above isn’t normal by VT-903 standards maybe I’ll tackle it sooner.

[kwerges]

For all you Hat owners lucky enough to have Cummins VT-903’s installed , how long do yours smoke when cold? Mine smoke like banshees (white smoke, no oil burning) until temp gauges start budging off pins if idling (about 100 degrees), and are reduced by at least ½ when I put them in gear when cold. On calm days I can see sheen of unburnt diesel on water at exhaust. When engines warm there is no smoke at idle or higher rpms. Understand it’s somewhat ‘normal’ for turbo engines to smoke at cold idle due to lower natural compression ratio, cold block, and turbo’s not making much if any compression at low rpm.

I bought the tools to do injector and valve clearances on ebay over winter. Was thinking of saving that project for end of season but if above isn’t normal by VT-903 standards maybe I’ll tackle it sooner.

Mine smoke slightly (white smoke, no oil burning) at start, but continue until warmed up or under load. Even warmed up they still smoke ever so slightly. Need to have injectors and valve clearances as well, as they haven't been done for as long as I've owned the boat (4 years). Please let me know what you find out...

[Boatsb]

I just sold a boat with VT555's the little brothers to them and the fuel condition was the reason for the smoke. Fresh fuel with cetane boost does the trick.

[sgharford]

Fresh fuel with cetane boost does the trick.

Very Interesting (and sounds cheap!). I used AJX last year and did notice less smoke. Not sure if that it has cetane booster too, will check it out tomorrow as still have some left I need to put into current tanks. Been meaning to try Diesel Kleen as I believe it's alot cheaper. I'll be sure to write back when done testing now that I'm specifically looking for results.

[Boatsb]

I have been using diesel Kleen on my detroits and am switching to AJX.

[sgharford]

I have been using diesel Kleen on my detroits and am switching to AJX.

And that begs the question "Why"? Have you had better experience with AJX? I have never used Diesel Kleen but read others seem to like it.