Something to worry about?

[TomB985]

Hey everyone,

I have a 1-month-old Larson LX850 with the 4.3L TKS Merc with Alpha1 outdrive. Last night I was running around 4,000 RPMs for about 2 minutes before coming to a stop, and I left the engine running to allow things to cool down a bit. I noticed a noticeable amount of white steam coming out of the water near the outdrive under the swim platform, and this is something I've never seen before. Is this normal? I'm concerned water may be making it into a cylinder somehow.

I grew up with outboards, and this is my first experience with an I/O.

Thanks!

 

[tractoman]

Re: Something to worry about?

Probably fine, what were the temps of the air and water? Steam can happen.

 

[TomB985]

Re: Something to worry about?

Air was around 70? and water between 80-85?. Relatively low humidity though, it did the same thing tonight under the same conditions...4,000 RPMs for a few minutes then to idle.

 

[Brentathon]

Re: Something to worry about?

I see steam coming from many boats (non-outboards) transoms. I think it's quite common. I think it's usually easier to see it on another boat, than the one you're operating.
Not only is water vapor a primary product of combustion (other than CO2), boats mix water into the exhaust stream.