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White Smoke

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mac9427

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Hi, my FWC 454 crusader is blowing a lot of white smoke this season. At 2500rpms the temperature stays a 165, once i go above 3200 it creeps up to 185 and stays there. I know it is time to change the manifold and riser. My question is can i damage anything if i keep running for the season. The engine runs perfect, no starting issue, no loss of antifreeze.
 
Like you already know, it a bit past time to change. Your big risk is if a riser actually plugs, causing the following rubber hose to burn (best case). Put your risers and/or elbows on a 4 year schedule when operating in salt water, and you will be good to go. Beyond 4 years, there are various, unpleasant risks.
 
Well, to show how true that is....Before we had acuired our 34C several years ago, we had a Bayliner 2550 with 305 Chevy. One day I had gotten a frantic call from my brother who told me the boat was taking on water and on fire. You can see where this is going....the clogs in the exhaust risers had caused the rubber tubes off each manifold to blow only hot exhaust melting the connection. Since it was slightly below the water line the water came pouring in from the holes in the tubes.

Fortunately, nothing major occured but a tow to the dock and a new set of risers, clamps and tubes. They had been only out in the bay. I am actually changing my starboard sidfe risers today after a 4 year stint in the salt. While we look at this episode and chuckle a very little bit....at the time those various and unpleasant risks were potentially a very serious issue. Additionally, we scooped out about 2 cups of " iron ore" from crumbling cast iron breaking down...

On our boat, Dave's advice is gospel
 
mac9427 said:
Any thought on the riser or elbow rusting through to the fresh water side of the system? That is a big concern to me?
Click to expand...

Not likely. Much more likely is a break thru causing salt water entry thru the exhaust valve into the cylinder. Much worse results, too.
 
X2 Dave' thoughts!!!

If it''s real smoke, it sounds like your maintenance action is past due. I'd suggest checking the hose that the elbows dump into, especially on the inside.

if it's only steam (no smoke) you are seeing the "white flag" - time to take advantage of it. could be just the U-cooler is partially clogged as well.
 
Hi All,

Went out this weekend. It is definitely steam not smoke. I ran the boat for a while and the temp stay constant around 180 deg. The temp of the exhaust hoses were a little hotter than the other engine but not nearly meltdown temps. I just got the new risers and manifolds on Friday and may attempt it during the week but I think if I stay local I could probably make the season. I just don't want any surprises doing the job in the water and possibly jeopardize my summer. Too short as it is!!!
thanks for everyone help!!!!
Mike
 
mac9427 said:
Hi, my FWC 454 crusader is blowing a lot of white smoke this season. At 2500rpms the temperature stays a 165, once i go above 3200 it creeps up to 185 and stays there. I know it is time to change the manifold and riser. My question is can i damage anything if i keep running for the season. The engine runs perfect, no starting issue, no loss of antifreeze.
Click to expand...
Mac, when you say FWC.... are you suggesting a Full or Half system?
Full System = engine and the exhaust manifolds in the Ethylene Glycol closed cooling system loop.
Half System = engine ONLY being E/G cooled...... mans remain sea water cooled.
Risers will remain sea water cooled in either event.


mac9427 said:
....... Is there any chance of the riser or elbow breaking through to the fresh water side of the system?
Click to expand...
mac9427 said:
Any thought on the riser or elbow rusting through to the fresh water side of the system? That is a big concern to me?
Click to expand...
The answer to my first question will determine this response.

However:
If a "Full" system, then your actual manifolds will have the benefit of Ethylene Glycol. These can go for years, and offer no issues.

If a "Half" system, then your actual manifolds are subject to the same corrosion that the risers will undergo.


With a Full system, there will be a seperation device between the man and riser.
This area may be something to look into.


The white smoke is very likely steam. No arguement there!
Good news is..... you are not loosing any E/G. :)

.
 
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