Tie the fuel shutoff lever up so you know thats not the problem. The symptoms point to shutoff solenoid. Injectors shouldn't just clog instantly after running great for a long time, it would be more progressive. I highly doubt you killed the VE, its not nearly as finicky as the VP pumps. If the injectors are covered in soot, pull them out one by one and rub the nozzles clean with a scotch brite pad, but don't rub them too hard otherwise you're likely to scratch the tip and possibly damage it (unlikely with a scotch brite, but DON'T use sandpaper).

Could it be that you gelled up?

 

I'm sure it's not gelling because I live in San Diego. I don't know what you mean by tie it up but I just got a pull cable so I was about to gut the solenoid all together. Does anyone know what the purpose of the plastic disc between the fuel filter and the block is. It has a plug which I believe is for intake temp 'r summin. does it have to be in a certain position?

 

Well you said it would start at 14* with no heat, therefore I assumed you've been somewhere cold. By tying the solenoid up I meant like a 12V where you can literally put a piece of wire under it and pull the shutoff lever up and tie it to make sure its in the "Run" position.

 

Oh sorry for the confusion. It was 14* in Oregon where I bought it but I am currently in San Dog. wouldn't gutting the entire assy. achieve the same goal?

 

Are you getting any fuel from the AFC vent? You will see it pumping fuel out of the little rubber drain line.

It sounds like you have a shot pump, and its trying everything it can do to run. White smoke can be caused by several things, but a damaged pump can retard timing and reduce pressures and give you white smoke, hard or no starts, and crummy performance all around.

 

Ever since I turned the idle up, It works like a champ. Not nearly as much power or smoke but it starts every time on the first crank. I am going to get these injectors in and if that doesn't fix it, i'm going to take it to an injection shop. It hurts my ego to say that because I am a mechanic, but apparently not a good one if I can't even keep my own truck running.

 

It all happens to the best of us!!
BTW, any updates??

 

Not really, still running it like my last post. I'm starting to wonder if it is my fuel pickup in the tank. I can only think of two things: either I'm not getting fuel to the pump, or the pump can't push it out. My new injectors will be in by next week co I'll install them and see if that is the problem because my stockers look pretty ratty. Does anyone know how much a new pickup assy. would be for my truck? 1st gen Cummins 30 Gal tank.

 

Post this in the price request forum for better esults.

 

Any luck??