Black Smoke....Fault Codes?

DUKCSUN · 07-31-2010, 09:36 PM

Well, it appears that I have fallen into the "black smoke" problem that's been reported in several cases here. I researched across the forum and it looks like it could be anything from bad gas (not likely) to EGR/Injector/Manifold issues. I took the K&N air filter out and cleaned it since I have been in the dust a lot recently (wishfull thinking).

The thing is, my van hasn't thrown any codes on the Scan Gauge. Is that normal? To those that have had issues, has your van read any codes that might indicate the source of the problem?

I'm going to have to take it in since it looks like the Clampett's truck going down the road now but I'm just wondering what the problem might be so I don't get taken at the dealership.

I haven't noticed any kind of radical change in power or the how it runs but it does "sound" different after I start it and while idling.

Any experience and comments are appreciated.

saline · 08-01-2010, 06:18 AM

Which engine? If it's a 6.0l it could be as simple as a carbon clogged EGR valve.

DUKCSUN · 08-01-2010, 08:50 AM

2006 6.0 - No engine mods..

**daveb** · 08-01-2010, 01:29 PM

The EGR didn't throw any codes on me when it failed. If you want to spend the cash, I'm told by are shop there is an aftermarket EGR setup that's bullit proof

DUKCSUN · 08-01-2010, 06:21 PM

Interesting.... Is it a big project to replace/repair? Based on your experience am I looking at numerous days in the shop or is this a simple lather/rinse/repeat kind of thing? Was yours still under warranty?

I'll do some research on the aftermarket EGR since mine will be coming off warranty soon.... Do you have any info on it?

Ford_6L_E350 · 08-01-2010, 07:13 PM

EGR valve itself is relatively straightforward - as straightforward as anything can be when the engine is hidden from view!

Mine was pulled and cleaned (years ago) in a day. Ford no longer reccomends cleaning, preferring to replace the valve now.

Mike

DUKCSUN · 08-01-2010, 07:24 PM

Wow,
That's a relief of sorts, however there's no telling if that is, in fact, the problem. I had the HPOP replaced last november which was quite an ordeal so I'm hoping for an easy one this time around...

saline · 08-01-2010, 07:48 PM

I recently pulled and cleaned my EGR valve when I was in there for the fuel filter. It's not too hard and can prevent sticking.

**daveb** · 08-02-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saline

I recently pulled and cleaned my EGR valve when I was in there for the fuel filter. It's not too hard and can prevent sticking.

Didn't you write up and post the procedure with a bunch of pics?

DUKCSUN · 08-02-2010, 04:22 PM

The drama continues...I got in the van to drive it over to the dealer today and it barely had enough power to get out of the driveway so its on to Plan B. Thank god my best friend is a heavy tow operator so they're going to come pick it up and take it over to the dealer tomorrow.

If anyone has a write-up on how to get to this thing I would appreciate it. I searched for it on the forum and saw the one about the fuel filter. Is this a field repairable part? If the part is only a hundred bucks is it worth putting one with the "extras" in the underfloor and swap it out next time it acts up? Or am I oversimplfying the whole thing.

Still hasn't thrown any codes on the scan gauge...