Just bought my first H1. A 2001 wagon with 54k miles. This is my first diesel and sorry, I already have some questions. First is that upon start-up it has a large gray cloud of smoke and some black debris on the ground under the exhaust. The smoke doesn't persist and it seems to run fine. It is rather cold here currently and at freezing or just below and I don't recall it doing it when I purchased it and the temp was in 50's (one week ago). So is this normal for a 2001 diesel? Second question is where is the best place to obtain a service manual? Thanks in advance for the help.

D

 

That's the nature of the beast. Old school diesels, like the 6.5 you have smoke on start up during cold weather. Mine does it if it gets around 55 or below. Most diesel fans like that smoke. I do. Now as to the debris you are talking about being on the ground after start up....that is a little puzzling. Take some pictures of what it spits out. and post them here.

 

Not abnormal in cold weather. As Joe said these aren't your new Duramax engines. Depending on how much and what it is spitting out it could be nothing or a number of things. Given the weather I wouldn't get too worried about it.
Dave Breggin at BlueHummer Outfitters sells the manuals.

 

Thank you guys for the response. It's been raining but after it dries up, I'll take of picture of the debris.

D

 

My '96 6.5L turbo does the same on start up. It just takes a few minutes to go away.