DD15 with bad compression, white smoke, can we save it with a valve adjustment

2015 Freightliner Cascadia with a DD15 came in white smoke, bad idle and no power. Performed various tests to confirm the issue and tried to find the root cause of the problem
A compression test can help narrow down any potential damage or problems. An Idle Speed Balance Test can help, injector cut out test and also a FSIC.
After the first compression test showed the terrible numbers, a valve adjustment was performed and then another compression test. Some improvement was made but the damage may already be present and the engine may need to be repaired.

[@am.b5688]

This guy is the best diesel tech on KZbin. A technician, who has a software, will understand the importance of your work, thank you very much.

[@michaeldunagan8268]

It is amazing that a compression test can be done without the physical hooking up of equipment to the fuel injector hole.

[@fiveandsixwoo4548]

Chavo my man! Ine day i bring you a big meal appreciated all the hard work you do

[@AntonioRamirez-jw3fv]

Thanks for the video you explain everything very clearly

[@robertovillalon2841]

I’m loving these videos!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

I am glad you like them 👍🏼

[@goldygill7297]

Great video. Sir! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@jiml9971]

Another great class sir you are awesome. 😊

[@pmod7735]

You explain very well

[@martygt3357]

What I see in this video. 1. Valve train looks very clean 2. Inside of cab is clean 3. 800,000 + miles and driver takes good care and maintenance of his truck.

[@nalvarez3505]

chavito... gracias por share such good video, exelent information

[@jiml9971]

Super video great lesson !!!!

[@Atic_la]

Great videos

[@shawnfairman911]

Good show

[@edgarhernandez1060]

El Chavo es el vato chingon ahi, no hay 2 como el Chavo

[@robertreeves4846]

Great teacher

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Thank you

[@jb-iw5yd]

What I like is when he said I don't know about cylinder heads I've never worked on one

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Correct. I have never worked on a cylinder head and taken a cylinder head apart like a machine shop would do. I have removed and installed plenty of them.

[@kevincruz8921]

Muchas gracias por todo. Tengo detroit dd15 lleno tamque de diesel 100 gallones y solo me da 420 millas cuando lo lleno se llena con 85 gallones cuando se tiene q llenar con 70 gallones por las 420 millas buenos esperando rinda 6 millas por gallones. Tiene filtros d dpf nuevo sensores nuevo filtros de diesel nuevos ahora todo esto lo e repetido estudiamdo las millas por gallon durante 6 semanas ya el dia de ayer lo lleve al deler a hacer ajustar las balbulas y estaban abiertas . Pregunta cuando las balbulas estan falta de ajuste puede causar consumo de diesel? El truck tiene 679273 millas o depronte me podria dar otra recomendacion q cause el consumo de diesel

[@safwansatti5653]

You are so clear you should become a trainer!

[@NR-fn6uq]

Lo mismo hace mi troke y tambien es un freightliner Cascadia 2015 DD15 white smoke when weather is very cold y corro poquito y se le quita, corriendo no hecha humo, solo cuendo prendo motor y corro despacito tambien huele feo y cala en los ojos. Compusieron ese troke? Y si asi fue, cual era el problema?

[@Armannortheast]

Hello master. What the reason smoke 💨 come out from crankcase breather. Only it’s coming out from crankcase breather ? Engine DD15 2016 Thanks an advance

[@Johnny-xn2ou]

Nice video Pls make video what kind of test ls we need to make before buy a truck

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Compression test is always good, perform a parked regen. A regen will allow you to see how the after treatment is working and responding. Lets you see if the fan is engaging correctly.

[@phillippianriley2885]

rocker box looks new.

[@fiveandsixwoo4548]

My super hero did it agian !

[@tommyhillfiger3346]

Is there any way to perform a cylinder leakdown test like with agas engines? This would pinpoint where the compression leakage is at?.....

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

A leak down test might be for fuel or issues with injectors. There a test for that. But a compression test can generally point you in the right direction.

[@tford9496]

I’m blowing white smoke and consuming oil about 3-5 gallons a week because I don’t have an apu. I have a ddec6 14L Detroit Deleted . It’s becoming hard to start and the valve job didn’t fix it. All signs point to compression and I’m not adding coolant. 1.3 mill miles . Wild guess how long before this truck doesn’t start?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Definitely burning oil, but at 1.3 million miles you need to start looking at an overhaul or inframe. New injectors and a few other accessories you will be good for awhile 14L are almost bulletproof if you get it done right.

[@ulugbekvakhiduulu3640]

Nice content. Can we get your shop location. Maybe will get a chance to drive by

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

We are at 659 S Maple ave. Montebello, Ca 90640

[@mike5162]

My guess is that he has excessive valve recession on at least cylinders 5 and 6 and he also needs a quantity control valve due to the saw tooth pattern on rail pressure.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

The cylinder head will definitely need to be replaced along with a few other things.

[@Commercialdieselrepair]

Did you inspect cam while doing overhead?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Yes. When you rotate the engine it’s good to always inspect for any damage.

[@nerdinbegic5981]

Have a long crank and power loss in lower gears. Any recommendations? Thankyou

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Long crank sounds like fuel. Start with filters, or connect and try running a FSIC. Low power could be fuel related, also check the CAC lines for any leaks. Do you have any fault codes?

[@brandongullatt]

Is it normal for white smoke after a delete?.because i know theres no egr or def to cool the exhaust down.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

All deletes depend on how and what was done. Could be over fueling due to the software that was installed. Do a compression test to help determine which cylinder might need to be looked at. You might need to do a valve adjustment to try and help. Replace your air filter if there is restriction.

[@highwayhustler4346]

I recently had a valve adjustment on my DD15 @ about 700k with none of the issues this truck had in the video but recommended as routine maintenance to my understanding a compression test determines the valve adjustment and on which cylinder and the idea is for each cylinder to operate at 95% or better?

[@moethedeaf2746]

No. Anything over 85% is Ok but, if all the cylinders are weak and the best one gets 100% and the rest give you 95% you still have an engine needing rebuilding

[@supermariobronsmiranda6735]

@@moethedeaf2746you’re trying to say that if a compression test says 5 cylinders are running at 95% BUT only 1 cylinder is running at 100% that engine needs to be rebuilt??

[@moethedeaf2746]

@@supermariobronsmiranda6735 No. I never said that.

[@moethedeaf2746]

@@supermariobronsmiranda6735 You have to understand that this is not a manual compression test. In manual compression test, you have a guage attached to the spark plug hole or something like that and you crank the engine and you read the gauge and see if it meets the specification. This is software compression test. It is different. The software assigns the best cylinder a 100% value and assigns the other cylinders values in comparison to the best one. So, if you test a very worn engine, you could still get very good percentages between 96% and 100% but that is meaningless because you still need to rebuild the engine. I hope you get what I mean now.

[@thecontrarian1282]

I think I need an adjustment as well. How much is the average cost?

[@superpowercars]

May I ask what would a delete have anything to do with the truck running like crap? If it was deleted, would you have done or diagnosed anything different? And what does zone 5 mean?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Most of the time when the DPF has been deleted the DPF will be at Zone 5 (programming thing). When a truck is running normally with everything intact, if a DPF is at Zone 5 it would literally shut down within seconds. A delete can over fuel and cause premature engine wear.

[@superpowercars]

@@CarlosDieselElectric a delete can over fuel and cause premature engine wear unless of course it’s done right correct? Or is the possibility still there for things to go wrong due to a delete?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

I have seen a few that have been done right, most are garbage. The people that perform these just want your money and then they are gone. If you are look into this, look around and ask other drivers that you trust.

[@superpowercars]

@@CarlosDieselElectric can you do proper deletes? My truck is deleted and I bought it like that. I haven’t had any issues but I am curious to see if it was done properly so I can avoid potential future problems due to bad DPF delete. Your info and education is very much I appreciated Pedro

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

@@superpowercars that is the problem, there is no real standard when it comes to deleting the after treatment. Most people that perform these things just download it and then reprogram your truck. I am not sure how exactly. I would look at a few things since your truck may already have it. Look at your fuel economy, is the truck burning oil in between oil changes, does your truck throw out excessive black smoke when your driving, these are things that you can look at.

[@dapperdanp2485]

Hey bro do you have a link for the software?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

diagnosticlink.nexiq.com/DTNA/Default.aspx

[@javierarreola6867]

Hi I want to do this job on my truck do you have a video how to found the marks and turn engine and timing position thanks is a way to contact to you for best guiding

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Call our shop 323-728-4721

[@rocanroller85]

YOU HAVE TO SET THE TIMING ON FLYWHEEL. THERE'S A DOT

[@blazo032]

Any idea on my problem ? DD15 Engine doesn’t start once in a while, when idling u can hear enigene sputters, i can smell smoke! Mpg is great no shaking , doesn’t lose power, i have light nox sensor check engine light. Engine does not derate , def usage normal

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

What year is the truck?

[@blazo032]

@@CarlosDieselElectric 2016 620 k on engine ! Thinking maybe Egr valve

[@AA-bk8qg]

Can you replace a head for me ? I was wondering how much that would cost me. I have all the bad symptoms had 2 valve adjustments this year problems keep coming back after 10-15k miles. I was also told by dealer to replace the head soon.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

What is going on with the cylinder head? What symptoms are you having? How many miles are on the engine?

[@AA-bk8qg]

@@CarlosDieselElectric engine has about 450k it’s making a bad rough idle in the morning with ticking sounds and white smoke for 15 minutes then goes away but rough idle remains just not as loud when warmed up.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

@@AA-bk8qg does it have a delete?

[@CASHMONEY04444444444]

@@CarlosDieselElectricmine does the same thing and has a delete what do you think could be the issue

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

@@CASHMONEY04444444444 have someone perform a compression test to see which cylinder or cylinders may have issues. Then you can do a valve adjustment and then retest to see if the numbers have improved.

[@eternalgospels]

I have an issue, my truck runs cools idling and when I am on a small incline idling it runs hot. Also it smoked white smoke a bit and solid engine light is on.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

What fault codes are present?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Start with the thermostat if it has not been replaced. What is the year make and model of the truck? How many miles?

[@eternalgospels]

@@CarlosDieselElectric cascadia freightliner 2018 775k/miles

[@eternalgospels]

@@CarlosDieselElectric none. That's the weird part.

[@2-ATrucker]

My 2012 DD13 is tuned and deleted and doesn’t show zone 5 on my dddl8 it stays on zone 0

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Then you have a good tune. Just about every truck I have plugged into with a delete is at zone 5.

[@Alex-dx9oj]

@@CarlosDieselElectric yo quiero aprender mecanica me darias la opportunidad de aprender mi nombre es alex?

[@notkirill6991]

My cylinder 6 has 27% should I try valve adjustment?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

I would definitely try a valve adjustment. I can’t hurt. You might see an improvement on your engine compression test.

[@samvirginia4116]

What is your location ? I would like to get valve adjustment my truck reached 7,70,000 miles

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

We are at 659 S Maple ave. Montebello, Ca. 90640. Give us a call and schedule an appointment.

[@samvirginia4116]

@@CarlosDieselElectric thanks definitely I’ll call .

[@carloscruz7317]

how can i get his software for daignosing my trucks

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

There are a few options available. Nexiq sells a few options. The software I purchased is from Detroit Diesel diagnosticlink.nexiq.com/DTNA/Default.aspx

[@anthonycervantes2967]

How much does that cost I’m having the same issue

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Valve adjustment is around $400. Parts are like valve cover gasket are not included

[@shawnadams2733]

Did the customer get a in frame done?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Not sure, I made the recommendation but I haven’t heard anything yet.

[@am.b5688]

I thought you said, " You fixed it with Valve adjustment"@@CarlosDieselElectric

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

All depends on the condition of the valves on the cylinder head. In most cases you can fix it with the valve adjustment. But if the cylinder head and valves are worn out then the valve adjustment will buy you time. Every truck is different

[@am.b5688]

Thanks, I will use your videos for drivers to see what they need on their engines, as it really bothers me when I'm doing a DOT inspection, and their engines sound terrible! Their only worry is to pass DOT inspections ! @@CarlosDieselElectric

[@Armannortheast]

From where the smoke was coming out

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

The smoke was a result of the valves not closing properly due to the adjustments not being made on a regular basis.

[@sikitrucking3251]

I got code spn 1325 fmi 31 and it says 3rd cylinder misfire, fuel issue 25% derate, stopped at shop in Nebraska, also I have a load in my trailer, and they replaced injector than I did parked regen and truck was running well no codes on it,but while in the shop they also did compression test and told me because I had to leave and complete delivery that cylinder number 3 and 5 had bad results and should be taken care of, Tuesday December 6th I'll be back to Los Angeles so could you provide me your address where I can get my truck for further diagnostic and fixing the problem, it has 817 267 miles on it,also this morning in Utah had trouble starting the engine, it cranks short time than stopped, had to use starting fluid to keep going now don't want to shut down the truck because of that problem, have to first make delivery tomorrow morning than bring the truck to my parking.Please respond if you could help.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

What were the resultón the compression test? Have you done a valve adjustment?

[@sikitrucking3251]

@Pedro Fuentes They did not tell me I was in a hurry because have this load with me so I was worried but had to go without any talks, truck runs with no issues and starts well when worm only this morning had to use starting fluid. Could you take my truck to your shop, I will be empty tomorrow and will go empty to Los Angeles.

[@sikitrucking3251]

And it started like hesitation on acceleration, was confused when truck didn't want to move forward after couple of days in parking, it felt like I am pulling against trailer brakes on, so I did everything to get them released and once I started moving there was no trouble at all, but that wasn't my problem and until I got this code with engine light on didn't now what was happening.

[@sikitrucking3251]

Tha I got code spni1636 fmi 2 so had to stop at dealership to buy manifold temp sensor and they did compression test and results were bad,so I waited until tomorrow morning for engine to be cold and they did overhead then reusalts were good, truck is running good. Although they suggested to run compression test more often and I got lots of miles almost 820 K just to see if something is wrong before any bigger issues.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

@@sikitrucking3251 sounds like they caught the issue in time. Compression test is always good to do. Valve adjustment is probably the easiest way to keep your engine running its best.

[@josemateo2622]

So what did you do to fix it?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Valve adjustment.

[@josemateo2622]

So the compression test went good ? My truck is smoking white smoke mechanics check the injectors he said they are working good and a week later he told me i have to replace them I don't ge it

[@notkirill6991]

​@josemateo2622 where was it smoking from?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

@@notkirill6991 valves were not opening and closing correctly due to valves being out of adjustment so fuel was being pushed through.

[@josemateo2622]

@notkirill it was mixing coolant with diesel I had to replace injectors cups

[@thecontrarian1282]

How much did this cost the driver?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Most valve adjustments cost around $350-$450 Should include intake, exhaust and engine brake

[@HRAA321]

Pedro... me gusto mucho este video y me gustaria llevarte mi troke.. me puedes dar tu dirección oh numero de telefono para ponernos de acuerdo porfavor.