Running a Yanmar 2GM20F at high altitude

Status
Not open for further replies.
May 10, 2006
52
Hunter 30_88-94 Lake Tahoe
Hello All! I have just purchased a new to me 1989 H30 with a Yanmar 2GM20F. The engine ran like a champ with very little smoke in SF Bay where she was when I bought her. I have had the boat transported to Lake Tahoe and the engine is producing white smoke above 2500 rpm. I've emailed Yanmar and they have passed my request on to my "nearest distributor" and I havent heard back yet. I'm hoping I won't need new injectors. Someone mentioned something about having the timing reset or the fuel pump recalibrated. Any help would be great. Thanks!
 
Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
Is it smoke or steam?

I got this ALL the time and lots of advice too. Does the smoke drift off and disipate or are you leaving a long trail of white smoke. The former is steam and is normal for smaller engines with long exhaust systems, the latter is a problem however. I find it hard to believe that everything went south on the engine just as it hit the lake water. As for engine valve and injector timing, that will not fix a white smoke (or steam) problem. In fact I can't even think of what would cause white smoke. Black smoke sure but white smoke is usually a sign on "fresh water" (antifreeze) cooled engines that the anti is leaking into the cylinders and getting burnt. I think you have a raw water cooling system if memory serves. So no anti to burn in the first place.
 

Ross

.
Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Large diesel engines will belch white

smoke at start-up and in cold weather sometimes for several minutes. Fuel oil mist is white and simply means that the engine isn't igniting the fuel. Black smoke indicates that the engine is receiving more fuel than it can burn at that speed. It is running "Rich". They can run with no load at wide open throttle and run very "Lean". But blowing white smoke is just a cold engine and should clear up when the engine is hot. Steam on the other hand would be a sign that you don't have enough water to cool the exhaust.
 
B

Bud

Over heating and white smoke

I just went thru the white smoke trauma with overheating. I replaced the impeller, cleaned the heat exchanger, pulled the exhaust feed elbow. Had a mechanic look at it who told me his prob indicated it wasn't overheating and I needed to change the gauge or sensor. Replaced both Another diesel mechanic told me the heat gasket needed replaced. Ultimately the problem was the C36 came with salt water foot pump which pulled water thru the engine raw water cooling. The pump had broken and the previous owner left the line laying under the galley cabinets. I stufffed a wood plug in the hose, installed and hose clamp and presto.....no steam and the engine runs at 3500 rpm at 170 degrees and no steam. I learn slow but I learn good.
 
May 10, 2006
52
Hunter 30_88-94 Lake Tahoe
Its not steam and it smokes when the engine is hot

Thanks for the replies. It is surely smoke, not steam. Even after the engine has run for over 20 mins it is still present. I believe the problem is unburnt fuel. After motoring in I can see a slight sheen on the water at the dock. At 6500' there is far less oxygen and all engines are less efficient.
 

Ross

.
Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Tim is your compression release

fully closed? The atmospheric pressure at 6500 feet is .76 of what it is at sea level. This means that you pressure inside your engine is also .76 of what the pressure was at sea level. Since a diesel engine is compression ignition I believe that you aren't getting the air in the cylinders hot enough to ignite the fuel properly. Talk to the local Kabota tractor dealer and find out what additives they recommend and use.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.