Acrid smoke from left engine bay, 2005 3500 Crew Cab 5.9 single hub rear axle

[Guido]

Hello, I'm a newb.
Not only to the forum, but this 2005 5.9 is my first diesel. Bought it from my brother-in-law's estate with 112k on the odometer, he was a diesel mechanic and maintained his fleet of (6) 18-wheelers.
I had my 26' gooseneck lowboy loaded w/ 50 sheets of plywood to start the finish work to my new shop. It was a substantial load, but no sweat for the Cummins. about 20 miles into the 50 mile trip home I saw and smelled acrid smoke whisping from under the hood. I pulled over and checked the engine compartment, it appeared the smoke was coming from the area between left wheel and the engine.
I slowed way down and made it home without further incident. Next day I took the truck for a short ride after unhooking the trailer and saw no obvious smoke.
Are the wheel bearings on these trucks susceptible to wear in this fashion? Since it was the first time I had a fairly substantial load attached, that seemed like a logical place to start.
From there, however, I got nuttin'. No idea of where to poke around if the wheel bearing gets replaced and it still smokes when totin' a load.
Any wisdom to share?

Thanks in advance,
Guido in E. Texas

 

[Guido]

Forgot to add...it's a 2WD.
-Guido

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

No its not a wheel bearing lol.... was the smoke from the blow by tube?

 

[Guido]

No its not a wheel bearing lol.... was the smoke from the blow by tube?

Don't know, but I'll check. Would that typically be exhausting smoke that smells like a car fire? Would it occur when the engine is under heavy (ish) load?
The truck's up in the country, it's our "farm truck'. I'll check in a few days with the next load I run up there (we're finally retired and moving out'a the city!)

Thanks for the reply and the lead.
-Guido

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Don't know, but I'll check. Would that typically be exhausting smoke that smells like a car fire? Would it occur when the engine is under heavy (ish) load?
The truck's up in the country, it's our "farm truck'. I'll check in a few days with the next load I run up there (we're finally retired and moving out'a the city!)

Thanks for the reply and the lead.
-Guido

If it smelt like actual smoke then no its not blow by your going to have to do some testing

 

[Guido]

Hello, H3LZSN1P3R

It appears as smoke (not heavy, but visible) and reeks. It literally smells like a car/truck fire, when plastic, rubber, fuels, etc. combine to produce a really nasty, acrid smell.
I suppose I'll get a code reader and see what it indicates.

Many thanks again for your advice.

Judging from your screen name, do a little "PRS" possibly?
I'm going to make an assumption and thank you for your service, Sir.

I'm proud to fly the LaRue "God Bless......" sticker on my trucks.

Respectfully,​

Guido in the Republic of Texas

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Hello, H3LZSN1P3R

It appears as smoke (not heavy, but visible) and reeks. It literally smells like a car/truck fire, when plastic, rubber, fuels, etc. combine to produce a really nasty, acrid smell.
I suppose I'll get a code reader and see what it indicates.

Many thanks again for your advice.

Judging from your screen name, do a little "PRS" possibly?
I'm going to make an assumption and thank you for your service, Sir.

I'm proud to fly the LaRue "God Bless......" sticker on my trucks.

Respectfully,​

Guido in the Republic of Texas

Nope i am non military but lots of my familiy including my dad was

 

[Nick]

Check you fan belt tension roller may have been sticking causing the belt to smoke