Cummins Marine Diesel Repower Specialists Forums Cummins Marine Engines 480 CE with white vapor – cause?

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #19544

    Brian
    Participant
    Vessel Name: Tenacious
    Engines: 480 CE
    Location: Mystic CT
    Country: USA

    I have 2005 Cummins 480CE’s in a Sea Ray. Last year my port engine began developing what can be best described as a slight white vapor or smoke which only appears at cruise speed at 2400 RPM. If I back off to a lower rpm the vapor disappears. I’ve owned boat for seven years and only last year began to notice this occur. About 800 hours on the motors. I’ve had the engines serviced, replacing all fluids, had the after coolers serviced and rebuilt this past winter, (were in great condition I was told) SBMAR water pumps serviced with new impellers, all new air, oil, and fuel filters, and just about any other preventive maintenance one could do.
    Removed and inspected elbows for obstructions but all found clean. No water found in coolant or oil. Oil test came back fine. Engine runs strong and temp averages normal at 165-170. Only other thing done at start of last season was the replacement of the two water exhaust hoses which attach to thru-hull fitting as they were old and deteriorating. Despite all that has been done the white vapor/smoke remains. (It’s very light.) ??? Thoughts appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Viewing 21 replies (of 21 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • #19558

    Rob Schepis
    Forum Moderator
    Vessel Name: Tenacious
    Engines: 6BTA 5.9 330's - "Seaboard Style"
    Location: Long Island, NY
    Country: USA

    Good chance this is your boat…?

    Sounds like steam, not smoke, if it stops appearing when you back off the RPM’s. When you say you inspected the the elbows for obstruction you’re referring to the spray ring of the showerhead mixer, correct? How many hours on the engine? Have the raw water pumps been rebuilt or replaced?…. Housing, wear plate, cam… They all wear with time and clearances change and the pump does not push what it did when new.

Viewing 21 replies (of 21 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.