Steam from exhaust

sidenberg

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
206
I am getting excessive steam or vapor coming from the 2 portholes out the back of the leg, during idle and continues up to about 3000 rpm or what is called the "no wake zone". It does not occur when using ears or in a bucket. In the ocean it starts happening as soon as the engine is first started up and water begins to flow. The ocean water temperature here is a rather chilly 54 degrees and the air temp in the mid to lower 70's. I installed a new water impeller about three months ago. It seams as if plenty of water is flowing with a reading of about 125 degrees at idle? Is this steam normal and if not what should I be checking to correct it?
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,090
Re: Steam from exhaust

Don't worry about it.It's normal.In a bucket or on a hose the exhaust is exiting from the snout.The hose doesn't supply enough water for the system to operate correctly.J
 

sidenberg

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
206
Re: Steam from exhaust

Thank you JerryJerry. I will find something else to worry about instead. But why the steam? I do not notice other boats steaming although it seams most of the boats I see have newer motors. Is it because the design and age of my 1987 Force 125? Is the cold water temp a factor? I get those looks from others who think it is smoke and see me as the main cause of global warming. Would a different thermostat make any difference in this colder water?
 

pnwboat

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2007
Messages
4,251
Re: Steam from exhaust

I get a lot of steam on my 1988 125HP at idle. I have a 130 degree thermostat. The warmer the weather, the less noticeable it becomes. Don't think there's much you can do about it because you want the motor to run at a specific temperature range to maximize power and efficiency. You could try a colder thermostat or no thermostat, but it doesn't make sense to run your motor in a less efficient manner to eliminate the steam.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,090
Re: Steam from exhaust

Water cooled motor and water cooled exhaust makes steam.My 225 Merc makes steam too.
I'll give you something to worry about.
Why is my steering getting tight/loose??Should I lube my speedo? How about balancing my trailer tires? Hows that? J
 

Banditz

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
168
Re: Steam from exhaust

if itsd very excessive then you may have a exhaust gasket leak letting water into the wrong places...and if its just gotten alot worse here lately then it could very well be ure problem! keep an eye on the temp and be quick to shut her down in the event it overheats...otherwise enjoy!
 

foodfisher

Captain
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3,756
Re: Steam from exhaust

Water cooled motor and water cooled exhaust makes steam.My 225 Merc makes steam too.
I'll give you something to worry about.
Why is my steering getting tight/loose??Should I lube my speedo? How about balancing my trailer tires? Hows that? J

Easy JJ We "all" had to start somewhere.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,090
Re: Steam from exhaust

Food. I was easy thats humor.Some people don't understand it.He asked for something to worry about.Don't criticize!!!J
 
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