Steam/smoke from under platform

[nickespi]

While we were out the other day, my wife noticed something coming from under the platform area. She thought it was smoke, but I don't believe that's what it was simply because it didn't smell like smoke. I'm leaning more towards steam from maybe the coolant water being pumped back out??? I don't really understand how the whole marine engine totally works, but think I'm on the right track. Any suggestions to what I might be experiencing?

[mart_it]

Originally Posted by nickespi

While we were out the other day, my wife noticed something coming from under the platform area. She thought it was smoke, but I don't believe that's what it was simply because it didn't smell like smoke. I'm leaning more towards steam from maybe the coolant water being pumped back out??? I don't really understand how the whole marine engine totally works, but think I'm on the right track. Any suggestions to what I might be experiencing?

Exhaust fumes.....Don't worry about it!

[nickespi]

Really? I've never noticed it before.

[JimN]

Originally Posted by nickespi

While we were out the other day, my wife noticed something coming from under the platform area. She thought it was smoke, but I don't believe that's what it was simply because it didn't smell like smoke. I'm leaning more towards steam from maybe the coolant water being pumped back out??? I don't really understand how the whole marine engine totally works, but think I'm on the right track. Any suggestions to what I might be experiencing?

Marine or car/truck, they work the same way- the exhaust gases go out the exhaust system but since these don't have metal pipes that are cooled by the air, somewhat, water is sent into the exhaust stream so the fiberglass pipes won't melt. Once the warmer water/exhaust hits the cooler water, steam results. If it's smoke, it'll smell like something is burning. If it ever smells like rubber or plastic, shut it down immediately.

[nickespi]

Ok, great. Makes perfect sense. I'll watch it closely today, but I have a feeling it isn't going to do it. When it started doing it the other day, we had already been on the water about 6 hours. Engine was pretty warm.

[nickespi]

Update. Out on the boat and the temp hit 200 and the engine light came on. Obviously overheating. What could be the problem? Would like to fix before the 4th.

[TOO-TALL]

Maybe your impeller is missing some fins?
Pull it out and check it.

[nickespi]

Where is it located? Raw water pump or circulating pump?

[WTRSK1R]

Check the raw water pump on the front of the engine just behind the pylon if its a direct drive. Chances are the impellor is missing a fin or two and you are not getting good water flow. Also, if you do find this to be the case, be sure to check if the fins are stuck in the transmission cooler since that is pretty common when the impellor starts to self destruct.

Good Luck.

[WTRSK1R]

Just looked at your profile and see you have an X-30. The issue still sounds like a raw water pump impellor, and it is still mounted on the front of the engine, but it will be harder to get to on the X-30.