1995 ford powerstroke diesel-poped while driving-started smoking(black smoke) didn't seem to lose any power -but was very loud after. Drove it 6 miles to home. Is the engine shot -maybe the turbo?

. Check engine oil level--ensure it's filled to the top line. Since this affects fuel pressure, begin by ensuring it's properly filled.

. Black smoke is usually a signal that there's too much fuel, not enough air, or injector pump timing is off. One of the most common causes is an air inlet restriction. The cause may be a dirty air filter, a collapsed intake hose, or an exhaust restriction.

. Check air filter--ensure it has been changed recently.

. Check fuel injectors. Leaking injectors create an overly rich air/fuel mixture and cause black smoke. Take the valve cover off and look at the exhaust part of the injector, when it is running. Each time the injector fires, you should see oil exhausting from it. If you see oil coming out, then the injector is good. When replacing a bad injector, take the glow plug out and crank the engine to get any oil out of the cylinder. If you don't, you could hydro-lock and bend a rod.

. Check turbo for carbon buildup and bent turbine blades. This ties into exhaust restriction.

. Purge fuel filter or fuel separator of water. Do this at least monthly--daily, if necessary. Water can be a big problem with diesels. Watch for and treat bio-organisms.

. Once you isolate and fix the problem, use synthetic heavy duty engine oil. Installing a by-pass oil filter makes using top-quality synthetics very cost effective, when integrated with a used oil analysis (UOA) program. All engines run better on synthetics, particularly turbo diesels. Besides significantly improved engine life, turbo life, performance, and gas mileage, synthetics promote easier starting, by allowing increased cranking speed. This last factor is particularly important in cold weather. Synthetics are also easier on batteries and starter motors. Anyone who has a turbo and doesn't use synthetics is asking for trouble. Here are several good choices:

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...uck_5W-40.aspx

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...ac_1_5W-40.asp

Let me know if this helped.

I can tell you from experience and hunting all over these forums - BLACK smoke is an injector!! Nobody will come right out and tell you that but I will - we changed all filters and no change - I drove the truck 3 days to and from work (40 k each way ) but get it in to have injectors checked out.

This link indicates that black smoke may be an injector problem:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1921427

Of course it's the injector. We have an 03 F250 that has had multiple injectors replaced. And it just started smokin' again this week. When we brought it in this time, Ford wants to inspect the fuel tank for dirt -- so they won't have to honor their warranty this time! Does anyone (besides TXGreaseMonkey who is obviously paid by Ford) have an answer for this problem?

dprake, I'm surprised you accused me of working for Ford, not the oil industry--my cover is blown. Your "rules of engagement" prevent me from helping you and I'll respect your wishes.

My 1995 f-250 7.3 powerstroke is hard to start on cold mornings.It also cuts out periodicaly as I'm driving.Any solutions out there?

Shadow:

. Ensure both batteries are fully charged.

. Check glow plugs and Glow Plug Relay.

. Replace under hood and under frame fuel filters. Purge all water.

. Replace fuel pump if you suspect fuel pressure drops, once it warms up; i.e. old tired fuel pump.

. Use 5W-40 full synthetic heavy duty engine oil.

. Assess fuel quality. In cold weather, many diesel owners have problems with the new ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD). The problem comes from the refining process used to attain the ultra low sulfur ratio. It affects the naturally occurring wax and can cause the fuel to gel more readily in cold temperatures. Gelled fuel clogs the fuel filter and starves the engine, causing it to stop. Adding diesel fuel additive often helps. Diesel fuel additives, such as Amsoil's, and ultraclean kerosene added to the fuel help prevent this problem.