I've never had a diesel before so I'm wondering... my Cal 2-25 has a Universal Atomic 5411. It starts easy and seems to run with good power. But there is grey smoke coming from the exhaust. It dissipates about a foot or two from the exhaust and doesn't linger in the air or on the water. The engine temp gauge shows 150 degrees which the manual indicate is the normal range. Is this normal for a diesel engine or is this an indicator of some problem? Sorry if this is a stupid question but I'm pretty much a rookie sailor.
Universal 5411 Should there be smoke
- Thread starter Gary_H
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Might be the mixing elbow
And NOT a stupid question. It's very common. For a couple of years before mine clogged up and I had to have it replaced, My Yanmar emitted grey smoke. Not much you can do to eliminate the problem except replacement. Unless it is faking you out and it's steam. But that would be white steam/smoke that dissipates as it cools. You will have to check to be sure.
And NOT a stupid question. It's very common. For a couple of years before mine clogged up and I had to have it replaced, My Yanmar emitted grey smoke. Not much you can do to eliminate the problem except replacement. Unless it is faking you out and it's steam. But that would be white steam/smoke that dissipates as it cools. You will have to check to be sure.
steam dissipates, smoke does not
Gary If the engine runs well at good power, it's likely there is nothing wrong. White/grey smoke is easily confused with steam which is normal for the 5411. Had one for many years and it discharged lots more steam than water and people were always coming over to "warn" me there was a problem. Just wathc out for the blue smoke.
Gary If the engine runs well at good power, it's likely there is nothing wrong. White/grey smoke is easily confused with steam which is normal for the 5411. Had one for many years and it discharged lots more steam than water and people were always coming over to "warn" me there was a problem. Just wathc out for the blue smoke.
5411
The MD5411 is known as the 'pisser'; and, it only purges water from the water lift 'occasionally'. What you're experiencing is probably the continuous wet vapor emitting from the water lift muffler and this 'vapor' is condensing, thus you 'see it'. The cooler the ambient air temperature, the more you notice it. The injection elbow into the water lift is easily blocked by scale and periodically needs to be removed and thoroughly cleaned. If your engine temp begins to go well above 150 then its probably time to clean out the water lift, etc.
The MD5411 is known as the 'pisser'; and, it only purges water from the water lift 'occasionally'. What you're experiencing is probably the continuous wet vapor emitting from the water lift muffler and this 'vapor' is condensing, thus you 'see it'. The cooler the ambient air temperature, the more you notice it. The injection elbow into the water lift is easily blocked by scale and periodically needs to be removed and thoroughly cleaned. If your engine temp begins to go well above 150 then its probably time to clean out the water lift, etc.
Yea Rich it doesn't throw much water
When I first got it about a month ago it seemed to have a constant flow of water but the temperture barely left the peg but I put in a new thermostat and the temp came up but there is only a trickle of water from the exhaust now.
When I first got it about a month ago it seemed to have a constant flow of water but the temperture barely left the peg but I put in a new thermostat and the temp came up but there is only a trickle of water from the exhaust now.
elbow
the elbow is the junction in your picture where the exhaust water meets the exhaust gases. A thermostat stuck open will prevent the temp rise resulting in just what you noticed.
the elbow is the junction in your picture where the exhaust water meets the exhaust gases. A thermostat stuck open will prevent the temp rise resulting in just what you noticed.
Thanks Guys
Thanks Paul, Don, Rich, from what you've said I'm inclined to believe that my engine is running normally. I'll keep an eye out for changes in volume and color of the smoke/steam and also changes engine temperature. Believe me this rookie appreciates the expertise and experience on this forum.
Thanks Paul, Don, Rich, from what you've said I'm inclined to believe that my engine is running normally. I'll keep an eye out for changes in volume and color of the smoke/steam and also changes engine temperature. Believe me this rookie appreciates the expertise and experience on this forum.
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