everytime i start up my truck i notice that my truck is smoking, then within 1 minute smoke is gone. i have noticed that my coolant level has gone down ever so much. there is NO oil in coolant or coolant in the oil. what could possibly be causing the white smoke at start up? also what are some ways that i can check to see where its getting in to the cylinder.

 

Sounds like a normal cold start... Might have a glow plug or two going out...

 

So if this is a normal cold start how do i test the glow plugs and relays. also i think its coolant related cause i and loosing coolant about 1 qt about every month.

 

Relay should show 12+ volts across the big termanals when the key is on for up to 30+ seconds. glow plugs you have to ohm, but by the time you pull them, its just as easy to replace at that point.

 

do a compression test in each cyl, coolant leaking in a cyl will raise the compression in that individual cyl.

 

Very doubtful its a headgasket issue...

I would check the glow plug relay and glow plugs first.

 

i have the same problem without loosing coolent. some times my truck will take 3 to 4 trys to get it going anless i plug it in at night my frend who works at cat told me to check the glow plug solenoid havent had the time to yet but im shure thats my probem and its easy to check

 

my frfiend back home has a 99 ford diesel, and hes been asking me why his hasnt started on the first try, but fires on the second try, he was concerned with the amount of white smoke comming out..

i told him to try plugging it in at night, or check his glow plugs..

this sounds like the same promlem discussed above. do you guys think that it is?

 

with that said make sure you ohm the NEW glow plugs as well. i have recieved new failed glowplugs out the box