White smoke from heavy wake surfing - is it possible?

[jwhposon]

I had my 2004 SAN 210 TE all sacked out with the stock ballast tanks full and then another 1000lbs in fat sacks. It produced a great surf wake about 4' high, great for beginners . BUT I heard the motor change pitch as if it was working harder, no change in the gauges. I went another 2-3 minutes and then stopped. Started another run and went along just fine, then a pitch change and a minute later white smoke out of the exhaust port. My nieces said it smelled like a skunk and propane mixed - I know, they are young kids so basically you could say it stunk. I emptied all the ballast systems and then added a little oil to the v-drive and then drove another 10-15 minutes without any issue home. Any idea's?

I do have some noise from the valves but the dealer said that was normal?

[harddock]

RE: White smoke from heavy wake surfing - is it possible?

Check your oil. Does it look like a milkshake?

[jwhposon]

That was the first thing I thought of as well. All fluids are fine. The v-drive oil was very very low - like "oh s..." low. But I put some in and drove it back just fine. It doesn't appear that any water contaminated the engine oil. Tranny oil is full - checked it cold sitting on the trailer --- probably not the best way to check but only option right now.

[Mikeski]

Smell all of the fluids, see if any smell like a skunk.

[jwhposon]

I think your could be making fun of me - lol... but I did it anyway , and nothing smells bad. I went out today (all day but no surfing) and things went just fine. It was consistent though - for each wakesurf ride, it happened at least once where the pitch of the motor changes as if it's working harder. Is it possible that the motor oil all leaned to one side so cylinders starved or something. Weird.

[HS]

Please tell us how you had your 1,000 lbs. of sac weight distributed.

[jwhposon]

It happened again today - I kept going, jumped back there to get a first hand smell - although it stinks I think my niece exaggerated a little. It almost smelled like steaming antifreeze. BUT, there is no and never has been any antifreeze and I winterize my own boat.

Distribution: All stock ballast full. One 350 in the starboard locker on top of existing stock wedge tank. then another 350 sac between the back seat and the driver seat layed in parallel with the edge of the boat (I have to move my seat up a little), then I put a cooler to the inside of that sac so I can put another sac on top that extends from the back seat (seat part) on top of the other sac. Then two people in that back corner, two std people in the bow that side. It puts the water line just below the rub rail.

I have to be careful not to hit other wakes because it does go over the back and drops in the vent area. I keep all bilges on and then if anything happens the people weight is enough to move and get us out of trouble. But it does throw a 3.5 wake that can be ridden without the rope. I would love to use less wake but don't want to hang onto the rope.

The motor still changes pitch and appears to feel like more vibration and works harder but no cause yet.

[Mikeski]

I wasn't making fun of you. Double check the fluid level in the trans. I have a hunch it could be the source of your issues? Put a few drops of the tran and v-drive fluid on a white cutting board, see if you can see any metallic glitter in the fluid under bright sunlight?

Other than that you might have a weak impeller and you are boiling water in one of your exhaust manifolds?

I am taking wild stabs at random things, I can't think of anything obvious.

[HS]

Do you have fresh water flush? I have heard if the cap is not tight it can lead to overheating...

[WakeSlayer]

Is it possible that your exhaust it simply coming out of the water and that is what sounds funny to you?

I like Mikeski's ideas. Check those things and give it another go.

[J]

Obviously make sure your blower system is functioning properly ...
Is it a closed cooled system? Because they do sound a bit different than the fresh cooled ones....and to be honest....when I surf, I almost wait for the tone of the boat engtine to change before I drop in.
Cuz the boat is at such an angle the boat will sound different, and a little steam/exhaust will be more visable if your exhaust flap is closer to the water level.
We often get a skunk smelling thing going on while we surf too, but that's just how we role up hear once in a while....

[WakeSlayer]

We often get a skunk smelling thing going on while we surf too, but that's just how we role up hear once in a while....

Bwaaa ha ha ha ha ha.

[gride300]

sounds like carbon monoxide ?

[jwhposon]

Well at a minimum all your replies make me feel more comfortable and that is what I am looking for. I think the idea that the exhaust is more visible is plausible and especially the boiling of water in the manifold. Although I just replaced the impeller a few trips ago and have no "heat" related issues. I almost felt like - just keep going and whatever it is will break and then no more guessing .

I will sample the fluids as Mikeski suggested and I do absolutely appreciate all the responses - like I said it just gives me reassurance that others are responding and not saying your engine is on the edge of blowing up . I will post additional results from the fluids.

Thanks to all of you.