On my 85 Catalina 30, I have noticed the last few times I have started it after it sits for a month or two that there is a fair amount of visible white smoke that will come out of the exhaust for the first minute or so and then it disappears and the exhaust is totally clear. I know that water in the fuel can cause white smoke but if it is only the first minute when the engine is cold is that something others have observed, too? And I've noticed that even under full load the engine temp won't get above 120 degrees or so- I guess better too cool than too hot but I believe that the correct operating temp is closer to 150-160 and it may be time for a new thermostat? Thanks in advance for your advice!
White exhaust smoke and thermostat questions
- Thread starter Dave 85 Catalina 30
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Try a new thermostat.
Check your coolant tank. Are you loosing coolant. Lets assume the answer is NO. (If it is yes then you may have major trouble.) Could be the fuel pump timing is out a few degrees although I am not sure how that can happen. White smoke happens when engines start cold and timing is too retarded and or fuel quality is poor.. Cetane could be low on the fuel too which affects the time the fuel starts to burn. 1. Get some diesel fuel additive with a cetane booster. Follow the instructions on the additive can. 2. Replace the thermostat. Your engine should run at least 160 degrees. 3. I will find out how timing might slip. I doubt this is the problem though. I have a C30 with the 3 cyl 23 HP universal. Engine is made by Kubota. My company has the same engines in gensets we sell. I can get more info if you need it. Email to ken.l.lane@Cummins .com if you need more. Fair winds Ken (Dancin Bear)
Check your coolant tank. Are you loosing coolant. Lets assume the answer is NO. (If it is yes then you may have major trouble.) Could be the fuel pump timing is out a few degrees although I am not sure how that can happen. White smoke happens when engines start cold and timing is too retarded and or fuel quality is poor.. Cetane could be low on the fuel too which affects the time the fuel starts to burn. 1. Get some diesel fuel additive with a cetane booster. Follow the instructions on the additive can. 2. Replace the thermostat. Your engine should run at least 160 degrees. 3. I will find out how timing might slip. I doubt this is the problem though. I have a C30 with the 3 cyl 23 HP universal. Engine is made by Kubota. My company has the same engines in gensets we sell. I can get more info if you need it. Email to ken.l.lane@Cummins .com if you need more. Fair winds Ken (Dancin Bear)
What kind of engine?
Don't put a 160 degree thermostat in a raw water cooled engine. Normal temp in raw water cooled diesels is about 130 degrees. What kind of motor?
Don't put a 160 degree thermostat in a raw water cooled engine. Normal temp in raw water cooled diesels is about 130 degrees. What kind of motor?
Engine is Universal 25
Jack- engine is a Universal 25 with heat exchanger/closed coolant system, so not raw water cooled.
Jack- engine is a Universal 25 with heat exchanger/closed coolant system, so not raw water cooled.
It's been sooo cold
Dave, that what you describe is not unusual. Even in normal weather, the first few minutes will have that. I don't think you have a problem in that regard. I do agree that you should be running between 160 and 190 on your M25 (which is what we also have). Check or replace the stat. Pretty easy to do -- SeaPower in Oakland is the Universal dealer around here, unless you have one on your side of the Bay.
Dave, that what you describe is not unusual. Even in normal weather, the first few minutes will have that. I don't think you have a problem in that regard. I do agree that you should be running between 160 and 190 on your M25 (which is what we also have). Check or replace the stat. Pretty easy to do -- SeaPower in Oakland is the Universal dealer around here, unless you have one on your side of the Bay.
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