Is engine steam normal?

[bug nut]

A friend of mine has a pair of 2003, 375 H.P. Volvo 8.1 engines with about 150 hours on them.
His engines always have steam coming out of the exhaust....even at idle.
He has changed the impellers and impeller housings, he has installed new risers and manifolds.
There seems to be no restrictions any where and all hoses are new.
The boat runs at about 145-150 degrees.
He is worried that the steam is not normal and is beside himself with not being able to get the steam to stop.
He now thinks that it could be his dripless shaft bearings. Can this be possible?

Anyone have any thoughts on what can be causing the steam?

Thanks

[Glen E]

he's fine...go have fun and quit worrying...

[32blackfin]

It's normal. My big blocks always made steam. One seemed to generate a little more steam than the other and it never presented a problem.

[ali'i kai]

The difference in the ambient temperatures.

[fichtion]

motor hypochondria

[don27dog]

Could also be a blown head gasket.. What color is the steam?

[prockvoan]

How cold is the water were he boats at?You got to remenber that the exhaust discharge temp is around 175F or more even though the engines are running at 145-150F.So,you will have steam,get the picture?

[Mako 234]

White smoke or steam is always fine

[bug nut]

The steam is white in color and the temp of the water where he boats is probably around 77-79 degrees.

Thanks

[carribbean soul]

my 454 does it to here in Fl temp gauge in the block is under 150F it happens when the cold water hits the hot exhaust gasses.

[bug nut]

Thanks for the replys....I tried telling my friend that he is being to anal. Today he wants to take a marine mechanic for a ride to see what the mech has to say.

[prockvoan]

Guess he needs a piece of mine and a big pocket book.If he does that,tell him to have the engine up to warm running point before the tech gets on board or he will pay extra for that time.