Smoke Does Not Equal Power!

Seems like we've got a lot of newcomers to diesel on this forum, and that there's a widespread belief among rookies that lots of smoke = lots of power. Although this belief is probably perpetuated by custom-built trucks at tractor and sled pulls, the fact of the matter is it's usually more for show than anything.

Tons of black smoke just means a lot of wasted fuel, high EGTs, and sooner or later, a toasted turbo. I'm sure there will be some lively discussion from both sides on this issue.  

a diesel tuned right will hardly smoke other then take off. look at the big trucks they hardly smoke and some run 600hp. they run em to make money wasted fuel is like throwing money out the window  
I burn more diesel and run more miles in a week the most of you people do in a month. ctds that have been used 97 3500, 98.5 3500, 98.5 3500,01 3500, 03 3500. those that are being used 06 3500, 07 3500. and yea these trucks earn their living

To all newbies, lots of smoke is nothing more than
wasted fuel.
it is not cool to waste fuel as it climbs up in price again.
an engine that is running right, will not smoke.

but if you must smoke remember the mechanic labor and parts are costly. $$$$$$  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BTAkguC7pc


This is a friend of mine's...
650-700hp... Where's the smoke???    
Forged Rods, Tuning by Diesel Innovations, PowerStrokeNation.com L.P.C. President.
Veteran Combat Medic,

Black smoke = toasted turbo?  I was hoping not to hear those words!  My son changed the oil and filter, fuel filter on my 2004 F350 truck which used to run great but slowly developed problems with the way it ran.  Now will not turn over even though it wants to and puts out black smoke.  My son says the turbo is gone.  I was hoping not!  

check your intercooler hoses and make sure you dont have a boost leak somewhere tighten the clamps. low boost will also produce lots of smoke along with low power  
I burn more diesel and run more miles in a week the most of you people do in a month. ctds that have been used 97 3500, 98.5 3500, 98.5 3500,01 3500, 03 3500. those that are being used 06 3500, 07 3500. and yea these trucks earn their living

I am gradually tuning for a mild haze through the RPM band. Need more air though.  
Logan
1995 12 valve Cummins 5 speed 4x4 13" Thermometallic Clutch. Air Dog, P7100 tuned up, injectors, HE351cw Common Rail turbo and 50mm wastegate. 449hp 1001 ft/lbs