Question about some smoke.

[rexmitchell]

I have a 89 scarab with a 350 mag. It smokes sometimes when I punch it or sometimes at idle. I say smoke, I mean there is some white smoke out the exhausts. Is this normal? Other than the smoke the boat runs great, and by great I mean it will push 60 on gps all day long. Is a smoke like this normal or is it something i should worry about?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Question about some smoke.

If it's cold outside smoke vapors are more visible, like when you see your breath on a cold day.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Question about some smoke.

Does it use any oil between changes? If not i would think its more steam out the exhaust than burnt oil smoke.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Question about some smoke.

I agree. If you are not adding oil between oil changes, then it is probably the cooler weather. Depending on the boat you are putting out about 160 deg water so a little smoke will be noticed. Good luck.

 

[fishinpa]

Re: Question about some smoke.

Compression test would be a good thing to start with.
possibly starting to wear a little internally.

Valve guides and or seals can sometimes emitt the same things you are describing.

usually on cold start a little smoke / from worn guides or bad seals.

worn rings /weakening usually show smoke when throttling the engine at speed.

wouldnt rule out the others suggestions ,but a good compression test will never hurt and can show you a lot of info if used correctly.


fish

 

[rexmitchell]

Re: Question about some smoke.

Does it use any oil between changes? If not i would think its more steam out the exhaust than burnt oil smoke.

Come to think of it, its not really a smell of gas, at least not much, steam seems more like it but its really not that cold out here yet. was 80 2 days ago when i was out.

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Question about some smoke.

i live in jacksonville fl. it is about 80 degress here and if my thru hulls give up alot of steam vapor as of late because of the weather change. I wouldn't worry

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Question about some smoke.

Humidity and water temps all play a roll in the steam theory..
Not saying it may not be a little oil smoke but i would not worry too much about it.
A compression test is always a good idea. I test mine once a year just to keep records of the numbers and it gives me an idea of engine wear...

 

[Philster]

Re: Question about some smoke.

Mr Scarab steams, too. I got used to it. Hot exhaust tips make lots of steam. It's odorless, and if you can hold something near it to catch it (like a plastic cup, you might even see it condense).

Oil/Gas just have certain smells when they burn.

 

[rexmitchell]

Re: Question about some smoke.

Humidity and water temps all play a roll in the steam theory..
Not saying it may not be a little oil smoke but i would not worry too much about it.
A compression test is always a good idea. I test mine once a year just to keep records of the numbers and it gives me an idea of engine wear...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuS4C6NgX7M&feature=player_embedded#at=17

Here is a video I shot, sorry for the background music and this was the worst it did it all day, but I also really layed on the throttle.

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Question about some smoke.

The steam dissipates so quick I couldnt think it was smoke

 

[rexmitchell]

Re: Question about some smoke.

The steam dissipates so quick I couldnt think it was smoke

Yea its not thick and dark like its running rich, If anything it might be taking a little oil but after reading the responses I believe it is steam....I am planning on going out tomorrow and I am going to get my face near it and actually try and smell it to know for sure. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Question about some smoke.

this is smokey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_d2DajxZys&feature=related

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Question about some smoke.

Without question steam. No worries.

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Question about some smoke.

also see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkZ6EYfoEB8&feature=related

 

[rexmitchell]

Re: Question about some smoke.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Question about some smoke.

Agree......looks like normal steam to me too...
It sounds like it runs good too..

 

[rexmitchell]

Re: Question about some smoke.

Agree......looks like normal steam to me too...
It sounds like it runs good too..

Good would be an understatement, it will do 60 all day long.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Question about some smoke.

Good would be an understatement, it will do 60 all day long.

Gotta love that! Looks like a nice rig too...

 

[JustJason]

Re: Question about some smoke.

this is smokey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_d2D...eature=related

I hope the guy in that vid likes to change u-joints.