R21EC Engine Smoking

[jkurlanski]

Since putting my 2009 R21EC in the water this spring I've noticed more smoke than normal coming from the exhaust. Today at 1200 RPM's we had a great deal of white smoke out the exhaust. Normally, at low RPM's, we'd have next to nothing at all, with more at higher RPM's. This is a light smoke which dissipates quickly. I don't think I saw any tinge to it, but it did have an odor to it so I don't believe it's steam.

Based on some Google searches it could be lack of fuel consumption due to temperature (its pretty chilly here in Maine right now (52F), I should check the fuel filter (replaced in the fall), and/or check the impeller (also replaced in the fall, although we do seem to have good water flow).

Any other suggestions on what to check? Engine appears to be running normally otherwise with no extra noise, pings, shudders or the like. Or is this normal for a cold day?

 

[tincup]

Is it turbo charger?

 

[jkurlanski]

30hp Yanmar Diesel. No turbo charge as far as I am aware. :lol:

 

[jkurlanski]

Bumping after spam on forums buried this.

 

[captstu]

Is there sufficient raw water flow? Lots of water exiting the exhaust ?

Did you refresh your boat impeller? I his is a must in the spying if stored dry?

Clean your exhaust elbow @ about 300 hours.

 

[jkurlanski]

Is there sufficient raw water flow? Lots of water exiting the exhaust ?

Did you refresh your boat impeller? I his is a must in the spying if stored dry?

Clean your exhaust elbow @ about 300 hours.

Thanks for the ideas. The elbow was replaced two years ago when we bought the boat. Temperature on the elbow is warm - OK to touch.

I went back and double checked the impeller and I had NOT replaced it in the fall. That has been done now. It was/is moving the normal amount of water out the exhaust.

After replacing the impeller and going for a spin, it seems there is slightly less smoke, but still more than I'm used to seeing at low RPM's (<1400). It definitely smells like exhaust and not steam.

Upon returning to the dock I loosened and re-tightened the fuel filter cap. Messy, but if it was loose I was worried about excess air or fuel getting in the line. I didn't get a change to go back out and see if that had any effect. Air/water temperature here is still fairly cool. Water in the 50's and...well, so is the air.

Any other thoughts?

 

[Capt’nKarl]

White smoke from a diesel engine can be from poor combustion in the cylinders. Have you changed both fuel filters? Check the air filter as well. If you have good water flow from the exhaust it’s likely a fuel issue. How many hours on the engine?
Capt’nkarl

 

[jkurlanski]

White smoke from a diesel engine can be from poor combustion in the cylinders. Have you changed both fuel filters? Check the air filter as well. If you have good water flow from the exhaust it’s likely a fuel issue. How many hours on the engine?
Capt’nkarl

I didn't even know about the aft fuel filter! I just found it. That's a likely culprit, since I haven't change it in the two years we've had her. Is it the same filter size as the engine filter? I'd like to get a replacement before I pull it apart.

Air filter is good and new. The engine has just 310 hours on it. The prior owner used it only a couple weeks a year. Barely broken in. 🙂

 

[mlull]

I had white exhaust “smoke”. Drained fuel assuming water in fuel. Solved problem. May not work for you, but...

 

[GA-Midnight Cruise]

Don't sweat this. Rotate fuel and change filter. If no improvement, go next to your injectors. Don't panic, your engine is not toast. Rebuild or replace the injectors. They are $130 to rebuild, $150 for new ones, (Yanmar GM30 models) plus labor. Relatively cheap fix and your diesel will run efficiently.

 

[Capt’nKarl]

The fuel filter in the aft compartment is different from the one mounted on the engine. You should be able to get the type and model number of the filter from the housing. Both the primary and secondary filters need to be changed annually. With only 300 hours on the engine it’s practically new. Change the filter and I think you’ll solved your problem.
Cheers,
Capt’nKarl

 

[jkurlanski]

Good news / bad news.

The good news it was definitely related to water in the fuel. I drained out the water from the filter (which I had never done in two years) and that alone seems to have solved the majority of the problem. A good deal of water and other accumulated crud came out. After a brief run around the smoke was next to nothing. I'm sure the engine was happier too.

The bad news is that I could not remove the housing to replace the filter (I did get a new one). The metal unit is supposed to just twist off but I had no luck getting it off. I even called the factory just to confirm I was looking at the right thing. They confirmed it was indeed the primary fuel filter, and confirmed the housing should just twist off.

Any hints on getting that removed so I can also replace the very old and tired filter?

 

[TBates]

Hello,

Check the bottom of the housing, there might be a small bolt holding it in place if I remember correctly.

Feel free to shoot me a call in the office anytime with any questions!

Tim

 

[Capt’nKarl]

I probably have the same engine and fuel filter set up as you since I also have a 2009 Ranger 21EC with a 3YM30 Yanmar. The primary fuel filter is a Racor 110A fuel filter water separator part number 21410. If you do a search you will find the manual which includes everything you ever wanted to know or do with this product. Let me know if I can help.
Cheers,
Capt’nKarl

 

[jkurlanski]

OK, I think I can wrap this thread up.

First, the primary fuel filter was a way over-tightened, but I was finally able to unscrew it and replace the filter along with the seals/rings. But that wasn't the end of my problems.

On the next test run I was still seeing smoke, and then at higher speed, the temp alarm went off. There was no water coming out the exhaust at all. After letting the engine cool off I was able to limp back to the marina. I had the bottom painted so imagined something was clogged up there and pulled the boat. Nothing there but a couple barnacles.

It finally occurred to me to check the sea strainer / intake filter. I had been unable to unscrew this either for the past season but now I felt it was time to get in unglued. And I found a completely full strainer. It looked like a tree could grow in it. Definitely NOT something to neglect in the future!

Needless to say this solved both the smoking issues and the temperature issues. Along the way, I also figured out how to change the primary fuel filter.

 

[LAKERtoo]

.. argghhh !!!.. you might consider putting a larger see-thru Vetus raw water filter on there so you can see both flow and contents when you go thru your check list on every trip ..