i get a small amount of white smoke at above 2000 RPM’s and always find some black soot in the lower part of my transom. The engine works great and starts right away every time. I believe this has been going on for some time and I thought it was normal. Engine has close to 2000 hours. I do the usual maintenance every fall and replaced the muffler 4 years ago when it started leaking. Do I have an issue or is this normal?
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Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
I think your problem is normal. I don't get white smoke, but I do get what I assume is a little steam when running for a while and the engine is at temperature. I would also say that the soot appears to be a problem for most diesel boats and is for me. The problem is worse for me when motoring with the canvas up. The "Station Wagon" effect seems to pull the exhaust up the transom and into the boat unless I am well ventilated. My real problem is how to clean it off. I do worry about the Carbon Monoxide issue too!
At 2000 hours you might consider valve adjustment if it hasn't already been done.
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Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP
Thanks Lucky Duck. Yes you can classify what I get as more stream than smoke. Luckily it is very little (about the size of a basketball) just where the exhaust comes out so I don’t have the Canvas Effect you describe. Hope I don’t have that to look forward to. You think I should be afraid to take it to the recommended 2500 RPM’s where I would get more steam?
Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
I don't think I would worry about going to 2500rpm but I would verify that you have good water flow out of your exhaust and the engine temperature remains steady after warmup. Mine runs about 160deg all the time unless I am really pushing it hard. If you develop to much steam you might consider having your heat exchanger looked at to make sure raw water is flowing through ok.
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Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP