1999 Sterling CAT 3406E blue smoke after long idle

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by kaptainkhaos, Feb 9, 2021.

  1. kaptainkhaos

    kaptainkhaos Light Load Member

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    Oct 8, 2014
    Clayton, WI
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    I have a new to me 1999 Sterling AT9500 with a CAT 3406E, has about 650,000 miles or so on it. I've noticed that if I idle for extended periods, 30 minutes or longer and go to leave, that I have blue smoke and the burning oil smell coming from the exhaust. It's only present under load and clears up within a minute and isn't present running down the road according to another trucker following me. The truck isn't consuming oil and blow by is very minimal, no coolant or fuel present either. I know the turbo was replaced by the previous owner with a Borg-Warner S430SX and there's no sign of oil on or around the turbo, only very little up by the turbo/exhaust flange. The truck was parked for almost 8 months before I bought it, could that be an issue? Maybe need to re-torque everything?
     
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  3. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Is that at a dead idle? If so try bumping it up to at least 900rpm. The colder the weather more rpm to better keep cylinder temp up.
     
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  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    We called that "wet stacking". Fuel builds up in the turbo ( I think) from being cold, used to be very common when idling was the norm. I wouldn't worry about it, anyone asks, tell them it's all that Cat horsepower!!
     
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  5. kaptainkhaos

    kaptainkhaos Light Load Member

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    Oct 8, 2014
    Clayton, WI
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    Yeah it was at a dead idle. I'm gong try bump it up next time, but trying to avoid idling at all
     
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  6. kaptainkhaos

    kaptainkhaos Light Load Member

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    Oct 8, 2014
    Clayton, WI
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    Never heard of that before! I learn something new everyday!
     
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  7. swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

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    Idle it up to 1000 if your going to idle.

    Perty normal in cold temps. Fuel slobber not burning off till you go to leave.
     
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  8. haycarter

    haycarter Road Train Member

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    I was taught that; Blue Smoke is unburnt Oil, & White Smoke is unburnt Fuel...
     
  9. swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

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    Not always. Ever see a dpf truck with a malfunction blowing blue smoke like its on fire. That's raw diesel. Same deal with wet stacking.
     
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  10. haycarter

    haycarter Road Train Member

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    No I haven't..



    Thanks for That. Idling is UNHEARD of down here..!! simply just doesn't happen..
     
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