Black puff of smoke at start

jallen2014 · February 12, 2014

Has anyone noticed a black puff of smoke when starting your 2014 Silverado? It's been pretty cold here in the mornings and I've started watching the exhaust pipe while starting my truck for the first time each day. I see a puff of black smoke! I only have 8k miles on it.

fondupot · February 12, 2014

It's because of Direct Injection. Pretty normal since the vehicles tuning runs rich from the factory. Probably is a little worse with the cold so it using more fuel to start the engine.

Don't let Won_Hunglo scare you.

Dj0nes · February 12, 2014

Happens with mine to. Really noticeable in single digits.. Of all the trucks I've owned this is the first with DI and first with the black smoke puff at start up. (Unburnt fuel)

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fondupot · February 12, 2014

Not normal at all. Are you saying the ones that do not smoke are broken & need service to make them smoke?

Yes. It is is normal. And no, just because a certain truck doesn't do it doesn't mean it needs service to make it smoke. That's moronic.

The OP said its been cold, so chances are he is in a northern state that uses a winter blend gas. The extra additives make it less pure and the cold weather doesn't help either. On start-up the motor needs more fuel to start so some is inevitably burned off. Hence the black smoke. All DI motors will have similar characteristics. Along with loud ticking injectors.

Stop being a jag and creating panic for new users, it's the last thing this forum needs.

If you don't have anything helpful to add, keep your typing to a minimum.

Dj0nes · February 12, 2014

Amen^^

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SLESierra · February 12, 2014

It is normal with DI engines - my Camaro and truck both do it when it is in the realm of the artic weather. My little six has not blown and is on its third winter and I noticed this the first winter - was a surprise to the dealer the first year as well because GM had not issued any bulletins on it - like someone said the DI and winter fuel with being a little rich causes it.

GM MAN VINCE · February 12, 2014

I no the ford ecoboost does this as well I seen one on the dealer lot start up and that's the first thing I noticed.

[email protected] · February 12, 2014

Same thing happened with me last week. Temps were -20 to -27 C (-4 to -16F) and man it sure took a while to turn over!

Was going to mention it to the dealer when I take it in for the recall

TxTruckMan · February 12, 2014

DI issues. Go to your dealer now before she blows.

Wow.

Not normal at all. Are you saying the ones that do not smoke are broken & need service to make them smoke?

Just wow...

VMaxtastic · February 12, 2014

This is the first time I've seen someone say it's normal. Mine cranks about 10 times before it starts, after sitting for a night. Even with the block heater plugged in.. Once it turns over it puffs the black smoke. MY 2013 6.2 with the L9H engine was DI too and it didn't start like this, or puff black smoke.

duals · February 12, 2014

When it was -20 my 2008 blackbear tuned Sierra Denali turned over much longer than normal and put out a little puff of black smoke. If it continues when it warms up I would be concerned but I would bet it's just the cold weather.

VMaxtastic · February 12, 2014

Black smoke on a DI engine start up is a leaking injector. On a DI engine, this can lead to cylinder failure.

It seems like pretty much everyone has this problem though. What are the odds of all of them having a leaking injector?

KARNUT · February 12, 2014

MY 92 chevy with a tune cold thermostat, s/c msd, been doing that since last rebuild 10 years now. It over fueling cause its cold should be fine. If not that little light that says check engine will come on, you can bet on it.

GMCustomerService · February 12, 2014

Hi jallen2014,

I'm sorry to hear of the concerns you are having with your 2014 GMC Sierra of black smoke upon start-up. Have you been to the dealership about this concern? I would like to assist you further. If you would like my assistance please send me a private message here on the site and include your name, phone number, address, VIN, current mileage and involved dealer. I look forward to assisting you!

Thank you,

Andraya R.

GM Customer Care

VMaxtastic · February 12, 2014

First year model run & a new engine for GM. Odds are good if it is a design issue most engines would have the problem. Problem is not everyone is having this issue. Points more to a defective part, not a design issue.

Seems to me that the people that aren't having the problem live in a warm climate though. I'm still going to take it in.