Ford 3400 diesel smokes but wont start

Jared Chaddock · Dec 3, 2017

Im helping a friend with a 3400 diesel he just aquired. Had the starter rebuilt and installed new cables and new battery. It cranks over nice and we are getting smoke out the stack but cant get a pop out of it.. even with starting fluid! We did get some knocking out of it with the ether (not good, I know) Im wondering if we have some weak valves, or my Dad suggested injectors that are dribbling not spraying. I bled it at each injector and got fuel when cranking, but it didnt seem to have much pressure behind it when I cracked each line. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance...

IanC · Dec 3, 2017

Go to Harbor Freight and buy a diesel compression tester. Just checked my service manual and compression should be 420 to 510 psi at cranking speed, with no more than 50 psi difference between cylinders. Pull the injectors, and have them tested. Most tractor shops will test them for a very nominal fee, and will waive the bench test fee if you have them fix or replace them. Brand NEW injectors on this site are less than $45/each so it may not hurt to just put a set in.

cdmn · Dec 3, 2017

Why don't you try to pull-start it? Use a long strap or chain and be prepared to
stop before you hit the tow vehicle. Pull it in the highest gear.

Once you get it running and warmed up, it might
start normally after that.

ptfarmer · Dec 4, 2017

If it won't hit with starting fluid the pistons rings are probably junk (seized into the pistons), starting fluid the biggest killer of rings, and pistons. You can take the injectors out, shoot some motor oil in each cylinder (to make the piston rings seal for a little bit). Put the injectors back in it, crank it over, and I'll bet it will run for a few seconds until the oil you put in the cylinders is gone.

Ford 3400 diesel smokes but wont start

Jared Chaddock

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IanC

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cdmn

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ptfarmer

Well-known Member

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