Moisture on dip stick

[Mike Uliasz]

Notice some white waxy substance on the dip stick the past 2 times prior to taking the boat out. Been checking the oil each time B4 leaving the dock and the oil level has been constant. Buddy mentioned it could be condensation since it’s cooled down, lows mid 20’sinto the 30’s. Serial number 45407742. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Did a digital calibration on the tech this weekend at the dock.
1500 – 1518 digital
2000 – 2060 digital
Max just under 3000 – 3038

The boat did hit 3300 one time prior to changing the throttle cable clip. Currently the throttle is not fully opening up. Probably to much information.
Thanks
Mike

Topic

[Mike Uliasz]

Rob,
Thanks for the recommendations.
🤞 it was just condensation.
Mike

[Rob Schepis]

I’d switch to a more consistent form of keeping the engine or engine room space “warm” 24/7 like a pan heater or space heater (safely setup) and do an oil change.

[Mike Uliasz]

Shell Rotella 15w/40 diesel oil. No additives. Oil changed in June.

Fleet guard 3825424 block heaters. I don’t leave them on continually, but turn on 1 hour or so B4 started. Did notice a lot of condensation on engine blocks prior to starting after the heaters had been on for an hour or so. Port starts on a 1, 2 count all the time. Star broad the same in warmer weather. 4 – 5 – 6 count when colder.

[Rob Schepis]

The dipstick tube is the coldest part of the engine so that is where the evaporating moisture condensation happens. What exact oil? Any additives? Do you use any type of engine or engine room heater when at the dock?

[Mike Uliasz]

Rob,
Thanks for the reply. Not hitting the throttle stop, so that is probably the issue with WOT and max no load RPM. The RPM stats above were no load.

6 good runs with her since Nov, 4 to 6 hours total on average. 20-30+ Minute cruise out at 2200 and the same back. Trolling in between. No brown smoke ball when going up on a plane when hot. A touch sometimes when heading out. Temps are steady @ 175 – 180 cruising. Have cross checked with a heat gun and the hottest spot was 177 .

Big concern is the white waxy substance on the dip stick. Seems to be in the dip stick tube.

[Rob Schepis]

Are you taking her out for good long runs with normal/high loads? Remember, oil temp takes longer to come up than coolant temps.

As to the rpms – are you hitting the throttle stop? have you checked the no load rpm? Should be ~3,300 +/- 25 rpms

[Author]

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