Smoke on Cold Start-up

[Big T]

Friend’s 2006 LBZ 150K miles on cold start-up, high idle, 17F ambient temps.

Is this amount of smoke normal for the conditions and those injector balance rate?

 

[Big T]

Friend’s 2006 LBZ 150K miles on cold start-up, high idle, 17F ambient temps.

View attachment 91073

Is this amount of smoke normal for the conditions and those injector balance rate?

Anyone here with answers to my question?

 

[DieselAmateur]

I know nothing about duramaxes but 17 degrees is cold for a diesel any way you slice it. I also don't know how to interpret balance rates let alone what "normal" is. I think @RI Chevy Silveradoman has a similar year truck, maybe he can offer some firsthand experience

Is the truck running fine otherwise?

 

[Big T]

I know nothing about duramaxes but 17 degrees is cold for a diesel any way you slice it. I also don't know how to interpret balance rates let alone what "normal" is. I think @RI Chevy Silveradoman has a similar year truck, maybe he can offer some firsthand experience

Is the truck running fine otherwise?

Running fine. Owner just wants to ensure longevity.

 

[Lennydmaxguy]

Those balance rates are really good. Do you know if they were taken with the truck warmed up?

 

[Lennydmaxguy]

A few thoughts I have:

Cold diesels will emit some smoke/steam. It's hard to tell from the video how quickly the smoke evaporates. If it evaporates quickly, I would consider it steam rather than smoke.
The LBZ has an intake heater. If that's not working it could affect smoke output. Although I would expect a trouble code to set as well.
Worn injectors will start to haze at warm idle, especially after sitting at idle for a bit. But with balance rates like those, I wouldn't be too worried.