Smoke from exhaust, another idea

[FreeBeeTony]

IL6 mercruiser 165. First time out with FWC system installed. Started off easy at first, then gradually increased speed to get on plane. Everything seemed ok. I opened the engine cover to check for leaks. Saw some anti-freeze on the block but couldn't find the source. Got underway again........temp seemed fine ~170. Slowed dowm again for another inspection...this time noticed smoke coming from the exhaust, also thought oil pressure seemed a little low. (~20 at idle hot, 35 at 2000RPM). Limped back to the ramp. By the time I got back to the dock the smoke was gone. I reved it to 3-4k in neutral, still no smoke. Took it out of the water and brought it home. Oil is clear and full. Coolant seems to be full, thought maybe I passed some anti-freeze into the exhaust elbow, but when running on the muffs at home, raw water return was clear. Is a compression test in order? Also checked drive lube, full to the vent hole, was affraid I was pumping it into the belows, I just sealed the entire drive, new lower gears, new yoke, universals, etc.... This was not the first outing I was planning on. Also had trouble shifting. Doesn't go into fwd or rev good. Tried to make some adjustments, the lower cable was new last year. Once it went into gear it seemed ok. Could it be the upper cable? Seems like I need more travel in both directions...<br />Sorry for the long post.......hasn't been my day. But I am going out tomorrow again for more trouble shooting! Any and all suggestions welcome!

 

[denniz]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

Compression test, YES. I thought you had a 470, (inline 4Cly) If so your cam seals are probably leaking, weep hole in the front cover. $280.plus parts depending on interior.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

No, it's a 165 IL6 (straight 6 cyl). Almost looked like the freeze plugs were leaking. This is the first time I ran it under a load under pressure. I have a 12lb cap on the H/E. What could have caused the smoke from the exhaust? Could the rings have stuck or something like that? I rebuilt the entire engine last year. New pistons, (.030 over, new rings, bearings, oil pump, lifters, etc...). What about timing? There was also smoke coming out of the breather cap on top of the valve cover, there isn't any PVC going into the flame arrestor. I thought that's why the smoke was coming out of the breather cap.

 

[fireship1]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

Hello, What kind of smoke? Black smoke? or white? Black smoke is internal engine stuff, mixture settings or oil burning....but....white smoke would mean steam. Steam means the engine is ingesting water and trying to burn it. If that's the case I would check all of your new plumbing and gaskets carefully for leaks. Hope this helps a bit.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

I am going back into the water today, what should i look for??????<br /><br />Here is a procedure I found for the shift cable adjustment. How does it sound to you guys?<br /><br /> Adjustment.

 

[denniz]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

Adjustment Ok but if youve got a 73 or older the measurement is 5 7/8. From your other post it sounds like youve had some freeze damage. Check you oil level and condition, and stay close to shore. Make sure your choke isnt hanging partially closed.D

 

[Bondo]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

Hi Tony,<br /><br />With Any Luck, you were just burning off the winterization,+ other fluids that were Misplaced over the winter........<br /><br />Are you shifting the drive "Briskly".........<br />You Know how the Alphas Love to be Slammed Into Gear..........<br /><br />Good Luck Today............................

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

Hey bondo..........this is not how I wanted to start off the new year! Is it possible this is left over from the winter? The smoke I mean. It smoked a little when I first started it and then not at all. The it smoked on the water after being ran for a while. And yes, I am shifting briskly. How about the oil pressure? The oil is full and looks brand new! The outdrive seems ok! I wasn't expexting engine problems.<br /><br />rodknocking, is the measurement from the center of the hole at the tip to the center of the barrell?

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

Didn't get onto the water today, but I think I got the linkage adjusted. That procedure was a big help. If anyone has a problem with the adjustment, I would recommend this procedure!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

Your Oil Pressure is within spec.....<br />10psi per 1000rpms........<br />If it's lower than last year, Remember, You've raised the Operating Temp.......<br />That Alone will lower O/P Some.......

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

Thanks bondo....that makes me feel a little bit better.

 

[denniz]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

center of hole to center of hole.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Smoke from exhaust, another idea

Is it possible I got water back into the exhaust when I came off plane? The only time I saw the smoke was when I just came off plane. I didn't shut the engine down or slow down too quickly. It still bothers me why I saw this smoke. I plan on getting back onto the water today.....Maybe I need to check the flapper but I just finished the FWC system and don't really want to start taking it apart again!