M52A2 (LDT 465-1A) engine question

[rcflyer70]

Please forgive me if this is a dumb question but I have very little experience with diesel engines (I've owned an Reo M35 gasser for 17 years) - I recently changed the oil in my M52A2 and took the truck on a short drive. Upon returning, I checked the oil to ensure the level was correct and it was black as night. The motor kicks out alot of black exhaust when idling or going down the road. I haven't noticed any specific issues with the truck - awesome power and it starts and idles fine. Do I have an issue or is this normal? Thanks for any help

Brian

 

[wdbtchr]

I'n not sure about the oil being black, but both of my 5 tons make fairly black smoke,(I am running 100% WMO in the summer).

 

[m16ty]

On just about any diesel, you can change the oil and it will go from clear to black in short order. No need to worry about that.

 

[gimpyrobb]

That is what I have noticed too.

 

[rcflyer70]

Thanks for the info!

 

[papabear]

I would not worry about the black oil...that's the nature of the diesel.
I would however keep an eye on the oil level and viscosity just to be sure there's not a little diesel getting in the oil.
Troy's M52A2 smokes a little as well while idling or under heavy load...I'd call that pretty normal.

 

[Squirt-Truck]

Rcflyer,
Yep they will turn the oil black almost immediately. By the way it is an LDS465-1A not an LDT. Check out the thread on the differences, a lot of good information coming out in that.

For some reason it seems most of the LDS engines do smoke much more than the LDT's. Off idle it should clean-up except under heavy load.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Not all 5tons are lds, like the ldt I swapped into my M62, but he could be mistaken.

 

[Ord22]

the LDS do smoke more than the LDT, its just there nature. the oil is normal after being changed. do you notice your oil level on the dipstick getting above full mark? if so, you could be getting fuel in your oil. Do this, pull the dipstick out and smell it to see if fuel is on the stick.

 

[fasttruck]

If you measured to quanity of oil put in the engine when refilling it the level is typically 1-2" above the full mark on the dip stick. Drive the truck and when it is shut down check oilk and is should be on full mark. Aftyer vehicle sits over night oil should be above the full mark prior to startiong engine: unless you have one of Jtonka's after market spin on filter conversons. amry wants all the opil to enter pan in artic conditions and a oil pan heater is used.

 

[rcflyer70]

The plate on the side of the engine says it is a LDS and not an LDT.

 

[m816]

I turned the smoke down on my LDSa1 and found I lost a little power but it cleared up a lot of smoke. I will re tune it so iit smokes a little more when we put it back together just to get some of the power back. Secret to getting some more top end out of them is to put a overdrive trans out of the 800 series trucks in them. I truck along between 60-65 on the flat but it can go over 65. I'm not going to push it like that any more since I just blew the govenor housing to the IP. I can also get those speeds with the tag along trailer loaded with the M-114 on it. gets a little doggy on the hills though.