Steam out of the exhaust

[retiredfornow]

1988 Evinrude 60hp E60TLCCR, trying out a new prop today, and when I went back to idle I noticed steam out of the exhaust. Water temp about 65 degrees, air temp about 55 degrees. It cleared up after a few minutes. Is there something to be concerned about here? I just never noticed it before. I did shut it down fast (damn canoe) and thought maybe water got up in there somehow. It has about 15 hours on a new rebuild. Thoughts, anyone?

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Steam out of the exhaust

IMO nuttn to worry about. Up here in Mn when it starts to get cold, any internal combustion puffs alot of vapor until the exhaust system heats up. Try this ....slowly exhale on to the outside of a glass of ice water, or block of ice, you will probably see your breath turn to steam/vapor, Now exhale onto the glass when it warms up, i bet u see no vapor.. 4 what its worth....

 

[nwcove]

Re: Steam out of the exhaust

maybe a head gasket leak but not likely, i had a smaller motor in a barrel last week, outside temp was about 4c (39f). looked like steam from the upper exhaust, looked like steam coming off the leg also, took my gloves off, got my hands wet.....and they "steamed" as bad as the motor appeared to be steaming. more than likely what you saw was just as paul said......warm wet exhaust mixing with relatively cold air.

 

[retiredfornow]

Re: Steam out of the exhaust

That's what I was thinking, paul, since I've never had it out in cool weather before. It ran great, real proud of that motor now. Going to pull the plugs in the morning and see how they look. Thanks for the reply.

 

[retiredfornow]

Re: Steam out of the exhaust

Plugs look good, about 140 compression on all 3 cyl.'s. Guess it's me not ever runnng a boat in cool weather. I'm learning.

 

[WernerF]

Re: Steam out of the exhaust

My 1989 60hp does the same, no signs of water intrusion on the plugs, good compression. It depends on the weather and on the exhaust temperature.

 

[V153]

Re: Steam out of the exhaust

Yup Probly just exhaust vapor hitting the cold air. With compression #s like that I wouldn't get too worked up over it.

Yeah you'll find that 2 strokes love cold weather, cold water in particular. Mine always runs best on cold days.