I have a question regarding exhaust smoke on our 1987 H34. We have a 3GM30F. At higher RPM's, we get a small amount of white exhaust smoke - not a whole lot, but noticeable. I know this is a sign of water vapor. My question is that it seems that while underway, the exhuast seems to be spitting direclty into the water wake at the back of the boat since the exhause seacock is so close to the water level. Is there any prayer that this would cause some of the Bay water to vaporize causing that smoke (has anyone else with this boat noticed the same thing)? Or, do I need to take it to a mechanic and check the cylinders, heads, etc. I can check for water in the fuel, but much beyond that is beyond my abilities. Anything else to try before taking it to have someone investigate? Thanks.
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Your engine seems normal.
That white steam is just a product of warm air in the exhaust meeting sea water and outside air. The easiest check to make on your engine while running, is to touch the water outlet elbow at the top-rear of the heat exchanger. It shouldn't be hot. (it's the pipe to the exhaust elbow) As the fresh water thermostat cycles you can feel the temperature of the cooling water rise and fall. Oh, the H34 has no sea cock on the exhaust system. There's nothing to shut off.
That white steam is just a product of warm air in the exhaust meeting sea water and outside air. The easiest check to make on your engine while running, is to touch the water outlet elbow at the top-rear of the heat exchanger. It shouldn't be hot. (it's the pipe to the exhaust elbow) As the fresh water thermostat cycles you can feel the temperature of the cooling water rise and fall. Oh, the H34 has no sea cock on the exhaust system. There's nothing to shut off.
Common
What you are seeing is either a bit of diesel smoke or as you suspect, water vapor. Cooling water for the engine does mix with the exhaust and can create a "mist" and this is a normal occurance. As long as your oil level remains okay I would not worry with it. Also, if it is diesel smoke you might be able to fine tune the injectors and eliminate some of it, but the cost would far outweigh the advantage.
What you are seeing is either a bit of diesel smoke or as you suspect, water vapor. Cooling water for the engine does mix with the exhaust and can create a "mist" and this is a normal occurance. As long as your oil level remains okay I would not worry with it. Also, if it is diesel smoke you might be able to fine tune the injectors and eliminate some of it, but the cost would far outweigh the advantage.
No overheating? No loss of coolant?
I'd agree with the previous if no other symptoms are evident. I had steam, loss of coolant and overheating. Adding coolant would resolve the overheating but a head gasket solved the coolant loss and steam. Tom
I'd agree with the previous if no other symptoms are evident. I had steam, loss of coolant and overheating. Adding coolant would resolve the overheating but a head gasket solved the coolant loss and steam. Tom
Good
Thanks - that sounds like it could be good news. I keep checking the coolant and it looks like none is being lost (just look at the overflow chamber thing, right?). The oil looked good last time I checked, but I will check again. Weird design having the exhaust into the water. Most other boats that I see have them exhaust at least a foot above waterline. Then you don't need to hang off the dock or boat to see if you have good water flow coming out of there when you start the boat.
Thanks - that sounds like it could be good news. I keep checking the coolant and it looks like none is being lost (just look at the overflow chamber thing, right?). The oil looked good last time I checked, but I will check again. Weird design having the exhaust into the water. Most other boats that I see have them exhaust at least a foot above waterline. Then you don't need to hang off the dock or boat to see if you have good water flow coming out of there when you start the boat.
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