small amount of white smoke ok? (480CE)

[Nicholas]

Running my still “new-to-me” boat this weekend, I noticed a small amount of white smoke (vapor?) coming out of my starboard engine exhaust, both at idle and at cruise. It’s not excessive – just enough to be noticeable. On the port side, there’s just a trace, if any.

I’m attaching a picture and also a link to a video. These were taken at about 2350 RPM and about 26kts. Is there any amount of white smoke that would be considered normal/acceptable for a 2002 8.3 CTA 480CE?

video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9hmYuu4DlBhI8pt22

Topic

[Nicholas]

Thanks for the tips! And that’s a good reminder – I’m going to go back and update that earlier thread with progress so far and some pics!

[Rob Schepis]

I just clicked on your name to check prior posts – The 38 Bertram new owner thread.. I knew the name was familier. As you get up north into cooler temps you may see the cold start white smoke increase a bit. Again, normal stuff. If it annoys you, and if you want to keep a nice dry engine room, you can consider adding some heat to the engines/engine room, either the Wolverine pan heaters or some small quality space heater of proper size & type..

Enjoy the delivery run home. Great way to get acclimated with her. Send some pics. We look forward to hearing from you even when things don’t need fixing!

[Nicholas]

The video was taken off the shore of south Georgia. Ocean temp was about 57 degrees. I’m in the process of moving the boat from Florida, where I bought it, up to the Chesapeake Bay.

[Rob Schepis]

Just watched the video, that’s nothing as to any amount of steam, must be some down south warm water temps?

[Rob Schepis]

All likelihood is that what you are seeing is steam at cruise. And a tad of white smoke at idle due to cold (incomplete) combustion. All normal stuff. Where do you boat?

[Author]

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