White Smoke

[srburke]

Question for those more knowledgable than me. I have an '01 28TE with a 315hp Yanmar (6LP-STE). She likes to kick out white smoke at the start and then when running at around 3200rpm. Temp and pressure seems fine. Is the smoke at speed an issue I need to worry about?

[socalmike]

Should only run to the wake. Normal from my experience.

[Panhdjoe]

White smoke from the exhaust usually indicates engine coolant in the combustion process, not a good thing.

[RobS]

Sounds to me that in your post you mention 2 unrelated issues - white smoke (at start-up) and steam (at cruise):

At startup the white smoke is the result of incomplete combustion (unburned fuel) due to low cylinder temperature.

At cruise you are likely seeing steam, not white smoke. Does it dissipate quickly as noted above by socalmike?
If you've noticed an increase in the steam at cruise it could very well be a sign that your raw water cooling flow efficiency is down due to the pump/impeller in need of servicing or a restriction at your seawater intake/strainer or any/all of the engine's seawater components.

[jleonard]

Agree with Rob.
Regarding steam under load, it "can" happen under certain sea water/air temp/humidity conditions.
I see it from time to time.
If it persists, then something in your raw water cooling system needs to be addressed.