Is This "normal"? Exhaust Smoke

Darth_Sidious · June 5, 2011

So I've searched and found a few things, but nothing on this. It doesn't worry me per say, but has me curious.

My new 2011 6.0 Auto 3.73 has 9200 miles on it. Oil was last changed at 7465 to Pennzoil Platinum 5-30. I 99% of the time use Shell gasoline 87 octane.

Sidious has a smoke stain the bumper, just as if she were a diesel. I've never seen a gas engine do this. (keep in mind this is also my first V8 as my other trucks were V6s or diesels). The inside of the exhaust pipe is also covered in black soot just as my Ram was.

Normal? My oil level was checked yesterday and was up to the 4th hole, so it is fine. I do notice smoke out the exhaust pipe even when it is 60 outside, especially if I give it come gas to pull out on a hill when I am towing (6k lbs on avg).

Am I just being a goober? Feel free to say so if I am. lol. Just want to make sure nothing is wrong with the engine. The local Chevy dealer here is awful so I want to get my ducks in a row before I drive 2hrs away.

SouthCo · June 5, 2011

Doesn't seem normal to me. I could be wrong. My sierra is a 5.3 but there has never been smoke stain on my rear bumper. My wife's yukon denali with the 6.0 doesn't stain the rear bumper either though.

oldscsc · June 5, 2011

With less than 10k in 10 years, its possible that your valve stem seals might have dried up. Your symptoms would be blowing oil when the truck has been sitting at least ~20 minutes, but not if it has been ran more recently than that. Also, it would not smoke at high RPM's.

Edit: I think you meant 2011...nevermind on the seals.

Darth_Sidious · June 5, 2011

With less than 10k in 10 years, its possible that your valve stem seals might have dried up. Your symptoms would be blowing oil when the truck has been sitting at least ~20 minutes, but not if it has been ran more recently than that. Also, it would not smoke at high RPM's.

Edit: I think you meant 2011...nevermind on the seals.

Yes. 2011. Sorry. It is corrected.

What I'm confused on is that if it would be a burning oil issue..as all the results in my searches talked about...I should be showing a loss of oil. I'm not. 2k miles after a change I still am not showing being down any on the dipstick.

nblumert · June 6, 2011

I have 20,300 miles on my 2011 6.0 and don't have any bumper stains or stains on the end of the tailpipe. It doesn't seem normal, but I don't know what could be causing it. Hope you get it all taken care of.

Nick

Stevens03 · June 6, 2011

What octane fuel are you using? I've seen that on vehicles burning the wrong octane Personally, I Can't say it's abnormal, but does seem a little excessive.

redjewel2ss · June 6, 2011

my 2010 has the exact same stain on the bottom of the tail pipe and bottom of the bumper. i figured it was normal. my camaro does the same thing and i have an oil catch can on the camaro. i just clean the tail pipe and bumper every time i get it washed to keep it from permanently staining.

Darth_Sidious · June 7, 2011

I always run 87. When you go roughly 500 miles per week, using higher gets expensive. haha. Although if it was necessary to cure an issue, I would, however I don't think that would cause it.

It is good to hear I'm not the only one. I too washed it the other day (first time since March..I know I know...) and in 200+ miles since, most while towing, the smoke is leaving a bit of a spot, but not near what it was before. So I think it may have just been the "breaking in". I'm still going to keep an eye on it as I LOVE this truck. Anyone else seen this happen before, before we move on?

And thanks for the replies everyone!