Exhaust popping noise

[macbeth]

"Sometimes" when motoring on my sailboat, there is a "popping" noise from the exhaust outlet as the water/gas is expelled. "I think" it happens more when I am motor sailing, i.e. I have the mainsail up in addition to having the motor in gear. I do this when the sea is "lumpy" but little wind.

Is the "popping" noise a sign of a problem ? Thanks.

[mcerdos]

Is it just water over the exhaust outlet and then being cleared by exiting exhaust fumes?

[zeehag]

find a marine mechanic and have him listen..could be anything--timing comes to mined, especially if it is a somewhat rhythmic popping...or is it rpm associated....injectors vs valves.....

[macbeth]

Originally Posted by mcerdos

Is it just water over the exhaust outlet and then being cleared by exiting exhaust fumes?

No, the outlet is downwards pointing and very rarely gets covered by water as it's about 15" from the water surface.

Thanks for reply.

[macbeth]

Originally Posted by zeehag

find a marine mechanic and have him listen..could be anything--timing comes to mined, especially if it is a somewhat rhythmic popping...or is it rpm associated....injectors vs valves.....

It's not rhythmic for sure, it's spread over a 15 to 30 sec time period. Doesn't happen all the time, or every time I use the engine. I wonder it's associated with the engine turning over, but not having to work hard because the mainsail is doing most of the "pushing" ? Not sure if it's rpm associated. I'll vary that next time it happens. Thanks.