Mike k
Well-Known Member
For the past 5 years I have had some steam emitted underway, broadly starts just as engine gets to temp ( say I-2 nm). Whilst its been a feature on every outing, it hadn't cause any engine temp rises and as a result I thought I may just be a design thing, you know, hot exhaust gases and water BUT it has always niggled me as to the cause so as a result I had rydlimed the exchangers, poked about in the exhaust elbow ( thank fully its stainless) , bought new thermostats etc. On a recent trip last month, we got huge plumes of steam and had to abandon our trip to Carnarvon and return back through the lock which the keeper had kept open due to our circumstances which we announced on the radio . Back on berth,first thought was Impellor problem - so changed the whole pump, next possibly an air lock as I had recently fitted a new rubber seal to the oil cooler so carefully filled the intercooler through the anode hole, another thought was gunge/placcy bag blocking the intake scoop as there have been lots of detritus in the marina.
But the answer was...................... the sea water filter basket, it had a fine smattering of barely visible material which must have been building up. Never have removed it before,because it has a glass top and always looks pretty clear and this stuff was not visible. Been out today and guess what, for the first time no steam whatsoever- fine margins I guess . Lesson learnt.... remove and clean regularly. I feel such a dope but happy now!!!!!
But the answer was...................... the sea water filter basket, it had a fine smattering of barely visible material which must have been building up. Never have removed it before,because it has a glass top and always looks pretty clear and this stuff was not visible. Been out today and guess what, for the first time no steam whatsoever- fine margins I guess . Lesson learnt.... remove and clean regularly. I feel such a dope but happy now!!!!!
