Is this white smoke normal

  • March 04, 2014 7:50 AM
    Message # 1510275
    Deleted user
    Our raw water cooled Volvo MD17 smoking as we put around. It does not overheat as we have ran it for hours at 1500 and 2000 rpms. 

    Just curious if this is normal? 



  • March 04, 2014 8:59 AM
    Reply # 1510346 on 1510275
    It appears to just be steam, not smoke from the exhaust.  Our MD11 does the same thing, it seems to be common with the old Volvo engines.  Is some of your cooling water from the cooling water vent line also being pumped out thru a cockpit drain, Bud recommends that type of installation.  In our boat so much water goes out the vent into the cockpit drain that the exhaust is really only spitting a small amount of water.  As long as the engine is not overheating you should be fine.
  • March 04, 2014 5:09 PM
    Reply # 1510773 on 1510275
    Deleted user
    I think I have it solved that the white smoke is steam or smoke. 

    I think if its steam and my oil is not milky then I have a cooling issue. 

    If I had white smoke I have a injector issue. but I am sure its steam as I did not smell burning smoke smells. lol 

    If I have white milk in the oil ill pull the head.

    This old raw water cooled iron work horse has to last me at least one more season. Im looking into transplants soon. 
  • March 04, 2014 7:10 PM
    Reply # 1510840 on 1510275
    Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Micheal: 

    Just a note that on my old MD2B (sea water cooled also and previous to the Beta 38) the cooling circuit pump pulled the sea water from the transmission then into the engine - as I recall..

    The cooling loop around the tranny corroded up until very little water (pencil lead size hole) want through - melted the lift muffler and pumped the cabin full of steam/exhaust etc...  The owner was out with 11 on board at the time...  

    If your engine has the same cooling loop - I'm wondering of the steam is from reduced water flow to the engine - allowing the existing water to turn to steam.  

    My fix was muratic acid (pool supply) soak of the tranny cooling loop - to clear it up - and plumbing the sea water to be pumped to the engine first then the transmission.  

    Hope this helps.
    Jay 
    Last modified: March 05, 2014 5:32 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • March 05, 2014 7:51 AM
    Reply # 1511126 on 1510275
    Deleted user
    Jay Thanks ill begin looking for stuff to acid wash it. :)
    Last modified: March 05, 2014 8:09 AM | Deleted user