3901 Engine Revved and Blew Out White Smoke

[Tmonan]

I was using my 3901 for about 2 hours and the engine revved without me increasing the throttle. I turned the engine off and it blew out white smoke before the engine stopped.

The engine barely turned and wouldn't restart so I checked the battery under load and it's good. I cleaned the terminals and the chassis ground connection and then it started. Right after starting, the engine blew out a little more white smoke then it cleared. Seems to be running fine now. I checked the oil dip stick and the oil looks good with no white substance suggesting water in the oil.

Anyone have any ideas what caused it?

 

[Russell King]

Where did the white smoke come out from?

Was it smoke from the exhaust or steam from the radiator?

I would verify that the coolant is still in the radiator (when it is cool) and if it has an overflow bottle fill it also.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Check to make sure you don't have water in the fuel separator!

 

[Tmonan]

Check to make sure you don't have water in the fuel separator!

Thanks. The fuel filter enclosure is clear plastic or polycarbonate. I looked an there's no water.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks. The fuel filter enclosure is clear plastic or polycarbonate. I looked an there's no water.

Have you removed it to confirm?
Wouldn't be the first time a Separator was completely filled with water and no fuel.

 

[Tmonan]

The smoke came from the exhaust and the coolant overflow bottle if filled to the full line. Had to run some errands so I'll check the radiator tomorrow and I'll go ahead and remove and drain the water fuel separator tomorrow as well.

 

[Tmonan]

Just checked and verified there is no water in the fuel/water separator. I started the the engine and there was no smoke or unusual noise. It seems to be running ok now. I bought some Clear Diesel from Power Service and will use that ensure the tank is clean. By the way, I use a Mr Funnel when I fill the tank. It has a water separator that prevents any water that I may introduce when filling.

 

[lugbolt]

check the oil.