Changed my glow plugs attempting to cure a rough 5-10 second stumble at startup. It did not help. Same rough idle for several seconds. Lots of blue smoke at startup. Still flustrated about a noise, from the post "Collant Usage", reread the threads. I failed to check the SES for codes. The SES light has not flashed while driving. Anyway, dumped the codes and all it does is repeat 96. I never get to 12, which should be the end.


Changing the glow plugs I disconnected the battery for several hours. When finished I started the truck and test drove for about 20 miles. Would that code have been set in the 20 miles, or does the PCM retain some code for ever? While driving, the SES light did not flash. I know becuse I am paranoid about the THIS idiot light.


I hate to ask, but what is a code 96 that flashes forever....????

Cylinder balance fault #6. Take the glow plug out on #6 and put a compression tester against the hole. It should have a strong 400 psi but wait 6-8 cranks to read the guage. If compression is bad, get ready for ssome decisions about how best to proceede. If it's good, try replacing the injector with a spare.

Could be Inj - could also be nylon rocker arm keeper(s) on cyl#6.


When they crumble from age\heat, allows rockers to shift off-center - causes valve-train rattle, cylinder mis-fire, bent push-rods, etc.


Requires valve cover removal - if required, replace all 16 on that side, close to turbo.


Also would be good time for new timing set - chain and both sprockets, front crank seal, etc.


Could also be cracked head, between valves in #6 - caused by heat from indirect inj pre-chamber - pulling coolant into intake valve.


Can be drilled and sleeved by any head\engine shop - normal procedure for 6.5L heads.


Worst-case scenario - based on descriptions of several occuring problems - but can be fixed.