Engines smoking but running well

[waybomb]

Is the steam a little cloud that hangs around the back of the transom, or is it a big cloud, like, above the gunwale high?

[Seif911]

The steam/smoke was higher than the transom. It was big enough that we had to close the back doors to keep it out of the cabin. It did not seem to hang around behind us while we were driving, but yet it did have a distinct 'fuely' smell. Got me. I will pay better attention to it next time we go out.

Maybe it is just too much unburned gas? If that is the case, it just may be the carb/plug problem you previously described. Maybe it is dropping to much un-atomized gas in the engines? Maybe the carbs need a cleaning since they sat for 5 yrs? That could possibly affect both engines since they sat the same amount of time.

To that point...I know the blowers are working but did not actually check the flow of air. Possible problem...lack of air?

The distributor does not look original. It is a pretty 'Mallory' distributor and very clean inside. I doubt this would be a problem. The wires are also all brand new. I guess I should maybe change the plugs out.

We'll see if the new fuel filters help at all. I suspect not.

This is a good one! I appreciate all of the thoughts and hopefully we'll figure this one out.

[waybomb]

That much stream concerns me.

Exhaust from a boat shouldn't smell much different from automotive, just a little wet.

If you are smelling gas, id say buy two carb kits and rebuild them.

Have you done quadrajets before?

[Seif911]

I haven't done 4 barrel carbs since I was a kid, but I have done many carb rebuilds and I am definitely not afraid of them. I will see if there is some sort of spec on the carb this weekend so I can find the proper rebuild kit. I am kind of thinking the same thing.

[CYO Admin]

When you pull the plugs look for signs of rust. Given the age of the boat and the lack of service history, it might be worth pulling the manifolds and risers for inspection. I am assuming these are not closed cooled engines?

[waybomb]

If you have closed cooling filled with antifreeze, if you have a coolant leak into the exhaust, it will smell sweet.

[Seif911]

Nope...good ole Lake Michigan water! I will be driving it today or tomorrow at the latest. I'll see if I can find any more details.

[Seif911]

Good Morning All,
So I have taken the boat out quite a few times now. The white smoke comes from both engines. It really has no steam mist at all and I am pretty sure it is white smoke. It seems to be getting a little bit smaller. It does not smell like oil, maybe a little like gas. I have a feeling it is the very bad gas I have. I am just too going to keep running it with a close eye on it.

[aa9nn]

Hello!!
Took my boat out for a ride as well this week, white smoke/steam as well equal on both sides (pretty light) But Lake Michigan water temp is 53 degrees and air temp was about 70! looks pretty normal as cold water,hotter exhaust. I had put in about 60 gallons of fresh gas and Lucas (which helps)
Temp at 180 on both 454 Crusaders with CC, Oil at 40, all and all for a 20 year old boat and engines not all bad....also FYI GPH was about 14!

Boat safe ! Boat Often!!

Jim

[Seif911]

Hi Jim,
Well that is good to hear. It is definitely some cold water. I like the GPH. Was that an aftermarket addition to read that?