Engine guys.... My 2006 Optimax 225 is putting out noticeable smoke from the exhaust. Engine seems to run fine, and nothing on the Smartcraft system is setting off any warnings. There is plenty of oil. However, I noticed this morning that while idling it is putting out smelly, visible exhaust, whereas previously you never could see any smoke. It is also a bit intermittent, with the smoke getting thicker, then less. It is coming out of the exhaust. Any ideas? I can't find anything in the manual on this. I'm going to put it on the trailer and bring it in but wondered if anyone has any ideas. Thanks! Markbano
Mark, Is this the first time running the motor since last fall? I forget, but did you winterize the motor or no? Refresh our memories please, then maybe we can help troubleshoot. Greg
If you winterized it with plenty of oil it may have fouled a plug. If a fast run does not clear it out, I would try just changing the plugs and see what happens. After you pay the marina price, you might decide to order them from a discount auto parts store and save some $$. jim
Jim It is fine now. I didn't fog it last winter. Just stabil in the gas and new lower unit oil. They say no fog for the Optimaxes. I ran it all day yesterday - no problems. This morning it was very cold - around 50 degrees. I just wasn't used to seeing the vabor in the air because I'd never run it in colder air. As soon as the sun came out you couldn't see any "smoke" anymore, and we have used it all day with no problems. I did some quick research this a.m. on the internet and learned that these engines can appear to be smokey in certain cool conditions and it is vapor. I guess that makes sense. My kids insisted on going to to ski in the cold and rain this a.m. and I just had never run the boat before in such temps. Anyway, it is fine and we were able to have some warmer, sunny skiing today afterall - the boat is on the trailer and in the garage now. I'm headed back to IL now. I'll report on the props, wedge, etc. later. Sorry for the false alarm. Thanks for the help!
