I have a 2005 Ford F-250 6.0 diesel truck that starts and only runs for about 5-8 seconds then stalls. It puts out a lot of white smoke when it runs the 5-8 seconds. It all started when I was driving down the road and suddenly noticed a lack of power and then a bunch of white smoke then it just stalled. I wasn't towing anything. I don't think that it is the head gasket because there is no water in the oil. Any ideas? Thanks!

Hi

Thanks for using FixYa. The reason for white smoke could be that the rubber valve stem seals have gone badly. The ball-check may not be connected properly which is allowing oil to slip into the combustion chamber. Change the breather and the air filter. I would also recommend checking the following to narrow down the issue of stall--

1. Please check the spark plugs; they might be wet from diesel. This makes the engine difficult to start.
2. Check the battery voltage, battery contacts, battery fluids level, and then the starter.
3. Also check for voltage at the starter connections. Then check for continuity between the starter and its ground.
4. Do you hear any kind of noise or faint clicking sound when you turn the key? Do the other lights on the panel turn off while you do this? If so, check your main engine grounds, and the main harness ground near the thermostat.
5. I would also recommend getting a diagnostic test done on the truck and check if you get any trouble codes. You can get it done from a local dealer for free or at a very nominal amount.

The head gasket is probably blown on the exhaust side of the gasket. Thus the white steamy smoke.Get a can of block sealer at walmart for about 7 bucks or napa for 10 and follow the directions explicitly. I did my mazda that way but I took a little more time and removed the thermous stat and pour the sealer in the hole there. The mazda lasted two more years. You can pull the plugs and see if any are wet too.
If you see the ones that are wet then when you put the sealer in it turn the rig over with the plugs left out for just a few seconds to get the sealer to work on those areas. **** it down, replace the plugs and run it if it will run for several minutes and then let it set the 24 hours . The instructions are on the can. Hope this helps, The Raz

Sounds like you may have injector o-rings gone bad. Do you use much oil?? Pull the fuel filter, if its oily black, it a very good possiblity. Isn't too tough to fix, just gotta pull all eight injectors and re-ring em. that would cause lack of power and white smoke. good luck

Hi! It maybe the piston ring. It may be worn and oil is being combusted thats why it emits white smoke. Regarding the lack of power, the fuel pump may be faulty thats why it stalls. HOpe this helps and good luck!

These engines have experienced injector failure.. White smoke means dumping fuel .You will need #7 injector and one #8 injector call a ford dealer to see the price .But i would also call an international aka navistar dealer.There sometimes cheaper