Exhaust Steam/ white smoke??

[quiesence65]

This is my first post...have a 1965 raw water cooled engine that runs great....however.....
I sail in Georgian bay...cold and fresh...and have always had some steam or white smoke / coming from the exhaust....however the boat had an older straight double walled exhaust pipe so in order to ensure that there were no pin-hole leaks, this spring I put in a brand new MM stainless water lift, all new hot pipes, and new exhaust hose....it all works perfectly.....but....the engine still steams. New impeller, no clogs in the intake, and the engine does not overheat...around 120-130 with a new 140 thermostat installed.
So the question is......does this sound like a leak in the manifold? Or something else?...A cracked head??
I read the threads whenever I can....great info source!!/

[Mo]

...hmmmm...

Well, remove your plugs and see if there is one that is really clean. That would give you an indication that water is getting into a particular combustion chamber. There have been reports of older model engines spewing a bit of white steam as well. Apparently more prevalent on start-up.... I've never seen it so have no idea what is normal and what is not on the older models. Have seen allot of steam out the exhaust on a stuck T-stat though...just saying, but it seems you have recent gear in there.

[Marian Claire]

Welcome to the forum. Always good to hear of another early model in use. How quickly does the steam/smoke dissipate? This post may help. http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/sh...+exhaust+smoke
Dan S/V Marian Claire

[Dave Neptune]

q~65, first welcome to the Afourian MMI Forum! Seeing a bit of steam is normal. If your oil is clear and the plugs are dry your good to go. Remember that hot water is being injected into "burned & still burning gasses" so seeing a bit of steam is NORMAL. If you see "steam" coming off a cup of "joe" you should see a bit of steam in the exhaust stream. Atmospheric conditions can also play a part, see the "cup~o~joe" test. If the amount of steam has drastically increased look to the oil for a milky condition or plugs (best after idling) for being wet.

Note if water is indeed leaking the engine should not be running as good as it did.

Dave Neptune

[quiesence65]

Originally Posted by Marian Claire

Welcome to the forum. Always good to hear of another early model in use. How quickly does the steam/smoke dissipate? This post may help. http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/sh...+exhaust+smoke
Dan S/V Marian Claire

Early this year the steam/smoke started out right away, does not dissipate for about 6-8 feet,..... Still no overheating, no water in the oil (check it regularly), and the motor runs perfectly. Wondering about the ring/oil issue in the previous reply though. What about a new manifold???

[Dave Neptune]

q~65, how is the engine running? I have always had steam especially in the early morning, you can see it behind the boat for a bit but in the afternoon you can't hardly notice it because the air is warmer.
Unless the engine is having a power loss or missing a beat or two I'd not worry about it.

Dave Neptune

[ndutton]

To put your mind at ease a manifold pressure test is quick, cheap and easy and can be done in place. For that matter, the entire cooling system can be pressure tested.

[67c&ccorv]

My 67 Corvette let's out a little steam on occasion...nothing that worries me and AFAICT it is more to do with weather/temp/condensation than anything else.

Unless your motor is displaying tell tale signs of water contamination I wouldn't worry about it.

What are you sailing BTW?

[Marian Claire]

Q-65. Sure sounds like steam. I to think that what you are seeing is normal for your location and an early cooling system. Sounds like your T-stat never fully opens so the flow to the wet/dry connection is always limited. #2 on the link I posted. If your plugs are staying clean and she runs well I would have no worries. Dan S/V Marian Claire

[quiesence65]

Interesting replies, everyone, and I thank you all!!!

The last attachment caught my attention because I have an "OLD" engine and a Sherwood Water Pump...probably the original. This fall I now intend to (1) Pressure test my manifold...and (2) replace my water pump. I will keep you posted.

We sail a 1965 Grampian Classic 31 out of Tobermory, Ontario, on the Georgian Bay, and as I write this we are waiting out bad weather in Little Current, Manitoulin Island in the middle of a 4-5 week cruise of the North Channel....beautiful!!!

[sastanley]

Q-65..what a treat to be able to post to the forum while cruising.

Keep up the good work. I was lucky enough to sail on Lake Ontario (out of Sackett's Harbor if I remember) and it was very beautiful.