Smoke from port engine

[GoVols]

Since my boat has Honda outboards on it, I don't need to winterize them. Because of this, I like to try to start them every 2 to 3 weeks and let them idle for a bit to keep things internally lubed. Well, as typical, there's a problem - my port motor was blowing what looked like white smoke the entire 45 minutes the engine was running. There was no oil or anything else coming out the exhaust and the exhaust didn't smell like anything was burning abnormally. It was probably 45 degrees out during this event. I was thinking it was just the hot exhaust hitting the cool air, but the other motor wasn't doing it at all.

Could this just be a fluke due to the cold weather or do I have a bigger problem on my hands come the spring?

[OLD HOUSEBOATER]

Was it the male engine or the female? If it was the female she is probably unhappy about the really cold weather you have been having in your area.

When it warms up she will probably get over her snit.

Or not.

[JTAlberts]

Just curious why them being Honda they don't require winterization?

[GoVols]

It's not because they're Hondas. It's because they're outboard motors. Outboards, by design, allow all water to drain off the blocks upon shutdown. This is why you still see fisherman on their bass boats on the lakes year-round. When we stay at the HB on the weekends in the winter, there's always several in the cove behind our marina, regardless of temperatures.

[JTAlberts]

I didn't know that. I ha e zero experience with outboards. Thanks for the tip.

[Frantically Relaxing]

Oil burnt during combustion results in blue smoke--

Oil brunt on hot exhaust pipes (for example) results in white smoke.

You should smell oil if either is happening.

Water getting into a cylinder during combustion will produce white steam, but may not dissipate like steam due to carbon deposits mixing with the steam.

If you didn't smell oil, I'd be a tad worried about water in the cylinders...

[Endurance]

If both engines were smoking, it might just be vapor from the right combination of temperature and humidity. But if just one engine is smoking, I'm less optimistic.

[OLD HOUSEBOATER]

Pull the plugs and see if one looks different.

[GoVols]

Thanks for the advice. I won't get back out to the boat for a couple more weeks. If the carbs need cleaning and are gunked up, could that be a cause as well?

I'll report back. Got to keep my fingers crossed.

[OLD HOUSEBOATER]

If it's running smooth LEAVE THE CARBS ALONE!!!