Smokey 310 isuzu diesel motorhome WHY???

[Illinois]

We own a 1983 310 isuzu diesel motorhome. When we start it up it pours out black exhaust smoke until it is warmed up. Very embarassing at campgrounds. Runs great doesn't use oil. My husband says sell but I really love my motorhome. Any ideas we have tried recommended additives not much improvement. A local mechanic said it is normal for this motor. I have put lots of elbow grease on restoring exterior and interior and really hate to get rid of it. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

[Mikethefixit]

Illinois
Change the air filter. Black smoke is fuel, not enough air. If its a turbo charge there may be oil seeping passed the seals and it (the TurboCharger) may need rebuilt.Does it have glow plugs they may not be operating. Start with no throttle NEVER DEPRESS THE THROTTLE ON START UP If it has a lot of miles it could also need the overhead (valves and injectors) set. It may cost a little but I would seek out a really good diesel mechanic and get a professional opinion Better yet GET 2 or 3 opinions
Good Luck
Roger

[Jaxon]

Originally Posted by Illinois

My husband says sell but I really love my motorhome.

Well, if you've got to sell something, see how much you can get for him... might be enough for a rebuilt... (just joking)

Way to go, hold on to that 310!

[vswingfield]

A 310 diesel is very high on my attractiveness ranking. Congratulations on that. As a former diesel mechanic, the first thing that came to mind was the turbo, since it stops after warm-up. If the injectors were at fault, not only would it not stop, it would get worse under load.

On the other hand, it probably could be worse. According to legend, the Canberra English Electric Canberra - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia used a starting system that emitted so much smoke that ground crews that didn’t know rushed over with fire equipment! One is currently undergoing restoration at Little Rock Airforce Base, but might have American engines.

Edited update. After a few fun moments exploring Wikipedia, I came on a photo of the American variant being started. Apparently, no difference. Your 310 has to be better than this.

[Pickett]

What type of Antifreeze in Isuzu 280 diesel?

[uraljohn]

Turbo seals may be to blame. However, before changing any parts find a couple of really good, highly recommended diesel techs. Have them go over all of the systems, Turbo, Glow Plugs, Injectors, Injector Pump, Air Intake System, Cylinder Leak Down Test, Stem Seals, etc. This will tell you the health of the entire engine.

I have almost 2 million miles driving Class 8 Semi Tractor Trailer Trucks and have experience all kinds of failures. Thank God they were all company owned tractors. Diagnose, then repair.