[Sentoa] White smoke / Engine Room

[Irwin "Scotty" Scott]

Hi David,

 

We experienced white smoke (light) and a scary smell after a period of
idling at night watching fireworks on San Francisco  Bay.  We had out nav
lights on, spreader lights on, some interior lights on, and of course all
our instruments.  The voltmeter was reading less than 10+ volts and then
went back to 13+ and the smell and smoke went away quickly.

 

When looking at the engine later, the only indication of excessive heat was
at the engine "preheater" where the paint had burned, blistered and
discolored at both the unit and the heavy amperage wires leading out of it.
Following the suggestions of other Cummins owners and mechanics I disconnect
the low amperage wire (removed the fuse).  The problem never reoccurred, but
I was concerned that starting the engine without preheating might be
detrimental, so I ran an 18/2 wire to a toggle switch at the helm where I
can energize the preheater before starting and then turn it off.

 

Take a look - if the Cummins white paint is brown/blackish at the preheater
unit your problem is solved.

 

Irwin "Scotty" Scott

Three Jeans (37-063)

Concord, CA



 

 

  _____  

From: sentoa-bounces at lists.samurai.com
[mailto:sentoa-bounces at lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of David Cheyette
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 9:50 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA)
Subject: [Sentoa] White smoke / Engine Room

 

Last night we were coming home from dinner on our 37, and 10 minutes after
leaving for our home slip, we noticed an acrid, burning smell.  Upon opening
the engine room, we found a white "smoke" down there.  We weren't
overheating, and all the gauges were normal.    I turned off the engine and
investigated, but really couldn't determine the source of the problem.  

 

The smell was a bit like burning rubber, so I pulled the cover on the front
of the engine to check the belt, but really couldn't determine anything
there.  My suspicion is that it might have been the alternator but still
need to have it checked out.

 

Anyone have a similar experience?

 

Finally, kudos to Vessel Assist who came out at 11:30pm on Lake Union and
towed us back to our slip at Shilshole via the locks!

 

David Cheyette

Maisy 37-100

Seattle, WA

 

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