6.9 hard starts and white smoke
 

Hi all,

I recently bought an '86 Ford 6.9. I don't know much about it's history, but here's what I do know: The factory glow plug controller has been replaced, the IP and injectors have been replaced, and the pump may have been turned up. When I bought it, it took tiny shots of ether to start, then it seemed to run okay, with a little surging and trying to die when you let off. Since then, I've replaced the fuel filter and the entire return line system. I checked for air/fuel leaks before the lift pump and there are none. After I replaced the return lines, the white smoke was cut in half and got a couple shades darker, but is ever present, and the surging and trying to stall got much worse. Compression was checked, and all cylinders held a steady 250psi, which I'm told is low, but should be enough. I'm reading a lot about things it might still be, such as timing, air leaks, and others. I'm thinking I should probably let a professional time the IP, how much would something like that cost? I'm by no means new to wrenching on things, I've rebuilt quite a few motors, but I am new to the world of diesel. Is there anything else I might try? I just want it to start without burning up the starter!

these engine usally never came with a turbo, so 250 for compression is very low, these trucks have a ratio of 21.5:1,
your truck should also have a stanadyne DB2 rotary injection pump.

the 6.9 is the same as a 7.3l, international only bored the 6.9 to make the 7.3l
white smoke =
bad or warn injectors, bad injection timing, or cylinder compression is low.

Injector pump was 180 out of time, runs great now.