Black smoke when accelerating

[Melbo]

When I had my 8V71 I was impressed how much better it ran in the midwest than in the mountains.

And even with the turbo on the L10 Cummins there is LOTS more black smoke at altitude than when running out on the plains.

I'm thinking just the nature of the beast here.

Melbo

[Jerry32]

I know mine will put out some black smoke at high altitudes around 5000 feet but clears up when after the turbo gets boost up. Jerry

[eagle19952]

I'm atake my time kinda guy with a desire to clean the pipes once or twice a trip,
that said coming out of Skull Valley AZ to Sedona on 89?  Flagstaff to Santa Santa Rosa .....just feels nice to finally hit the flats west of Amarillo .....I guy can really get some efficiency....without blowin wasted fuel out the exhaust.
try the west side of Yosemite....

[TomC]

Black smoke at altitude is the main reason I turbocharged my 8V-71.  Granted on initial acceleration there is a bit more black smoke, but it clears up right away.  Nice to have full power at altitude without the black smoke.  Over 5,000ft I do have just the slightest bit of smoke on full pedal-but just pull up a bit and it is clear.  Plus the extra power is quite noticeable. Good Luck, TomC

[Mex-Busnut]

I do have an 8v-71 no turbo. Converted from oil air filter at Luke's about 13000 miles ago. Have not set long enough for birds to build

So Rich: How many actual miles do you have on the PRESENT air filter element? Anything over 3,000, it is probably time to change it. And if you have been through any dust storms, maybe a whole lot sooner.

[rv_safetyman]

If you don't have a Filter Minder, you really need to get one.  They are cheap and really tell you when the air cleaner needs to be changed.  One source is:

http://www.ryderfleetproducts.com/ryder/af/ryder/core/content/product/srm/key/U49%20C3550100820/pn/Filter-Minder-Air-Restriction-Gauge-Direct-Mount-20lb/erm/productDetail.do;jsessionid=2DEC2F64FE09778970F26FD71F99B71E

Hope the long URL works.  If not just do a search on Filter Minder.

Our buses are not good on air filters.  The filters are behind the bus wheels and they stir up a lot of dust.

Jim

[luvrbus]

The problem I have with the minder is no one ever calibrates the thing to the engine make and model people just throw down 20 bucks and screw it in.
A friend of mine had one he bought off Ebay and it was set on 20Hg and he never changed the filter till the 8v71 was barely running and smoking like crazy because the gauge wasn't in the red lol

good luck

[JackConrad]

The problem I have with the minder is no one ever calibrates the thing to the engine make and model people just throw down 20 bucks and screw it in.
good luck

How do you calibrate one of these?  Or do you have to order one for your specific engine?  Jack

[coloradorich]

Thanks for the info. We have about 6000 since filter change. Looks like its time to check it.

Again thanks for everyones help.

Rich

[chart1]

Yes how you set them for specific engines or do you order for application.

[lostagain]

All the ones I've seen are the same: up to 20 inches water column.

You have to know how much maximum restriction is acceptable for your engine.

Both my 4-71 and my 6V92 don't like anything over 10 or 12". They start smoking more with my foot down, and don't have as much power with an overly clogged filter.

JC

[luvrbus]

They make different ones than 20 in water column I have a couple of 12 h2o all your washable filters use a different one,me I never used one as they are made to sell filters on a rainy day in Georgia they will show red lol do you change the filter then I think not just another got to have gimmick to me

good luck

[uncle ned]

If I didn't smoke when i accelerate,I would loose half of my income from killing mosquitos.

uncle ned