Visit our Popular Forums

JulianGullsway · 06-04-2011, 08:47

My good old Perkins 4108 was starting to get a bit Smokey when first starting her up, so i had the Injectors re built as I'am sure they hadn't been done for many years and I was right however the problem seems to have worsened when she fires I get a lot of white smoke and what looks like a bit of fuel discharge It clears once she has warmed up, I'am sure its nothing serious but wondered if any one had any ideas, also what should be the operating temp be, she never seems to go over 45 degrees and raw water cooled!!

"We know what risks these landsmen run from noble men to tailors, then let us thank with providence that you and I are sailors" C Diben

Badsanta · 06-04-2011, 08:56

replace your thermostat.

JulianGullsway · 06-04-2011, 08:59

Will that stop the smoking, she runs perfectly and starts well?

four winds · 06-04-2011, 09:05

45 degrees Celsius is only 113 degrees Fahrenheit. I had to look it up since I'm familiar with Fahrenheit. Just wanted to throw that out there for the other temperature challenged folks.

Seems too cool to me, but all engines are cool when first started. Since that is when it's smoking I'm not sure that is the issue. Unless it's smoking just a moment after start up, when the thermostat should still be completely closed. Then I would suspect yours is stuck open. Others know better than I.

Sailmonkey · 06-04-2011, 09:06

I've heard of smoking lots of things when cold, but never an engine

Lowcountry · 06-04-2011, 09:13

Are you sure that it isn't just water vapor?

detav007 · 06-04-2011, 09:15

Take this with a grain of salt from someone who's worked on many cars (not boats). White smoke usually denotes coolant/water in the engine. You may have a small leak in your head gasket(s) and it seals as the engine warms. Check your oil for a chocolate milkshake look to it, if so, remove heads, have them machined and replace gaskets. Hope it's not as that is not a fun job, there are worse though.

Astrid · 06-04-2011, 09:16

The diesel should be running at a temp of about 82*C under load, but check your manual if you have one. Check thermostat and also your temp gauge to make sure both are working properly. It might be a good idea to run a compression check as well.

detav007 · 06-04-2011, 09:18

My apologies for double posting so quickly, you may want to check your fuel lines/tank for water as well.

Bill Burgette · 06-04-2011, 09:19

+1 on trying the thermostat change. You've seen diesels on land start when they're cold. They clatter excessively and smoke more than when they are warmed up. Your engine is not warming up as it should for whatever reason. The thermostat is the most likely culprit. Have a great day and enjoy.

JulianGullsway · 06-04-2011, 09:31

New thermostat already ordered, thanks to you all I know its not the head Gasket as I have just replaced this but thanks detav, could be a bit odd condensation its been very cold here though the winter, what a forum Thanks again all

**Tellie** · 06-04-2011, 10:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulianGullsway

New thermostat already ordered, thanks to you all I know its not the head Gasket as I have just replaced this but thanks detav, could be a bit odd condensation its been very cold here though the winter, what a forum Thanks again all

Kinda, sorta an old rule of thumb. Always check the last thing you fixed.

Badsanta · 06-04-2011, 18:28

from my understanding there is a differance in thermostat settings for raw water cooled and freshwater (antifreeze) cooled and raw water is a lower temp. I was told it is because salt water causes problems when heated to higher temps. for my yanmar it is 145 degrees F raw and 185degrees F fresh