1974 Wellcraft Nova 25' dual engine problems

[Matthew Stuart]

This boat (not mine don't know much about it) has twin Ford 351 engines that were running fine beginning of last summer. An out drive problem developed that was repaired. Boat back in water briefly and developed a milky starboard engine. Boat back out of the water taken to a mechanic who supposedly pulled the problem engine heads, checked the block for cracks not finding any installed a new gasket set. Back in water and same condition develops almost immediately. Boat ran periodically through the summer using the good engine only. End of summer good engine developed a milky condition also. Asking more familiar individuals on this issue I was lead to believe that it is possibly the exhaust manifolds breaking down for rust, old age ect... Does this sound legitimate to you experienced folks and if this is the case could anyone give me a ballpark figure to remove/repair/replace or any other information/experience on an issue/problem like this you may have encountered. Know where I could purchase owner/maintenance manuals for this craft? I am researching this for a friend that has limited resources. Thank You for any information in this matter.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: 1974 Wellcraft Nova 25' dual engine problems

Could very well be failed manifolds, risers, gaskets, etc. I'd start by pulling the manifolds/risers and having them pressure tested if there are no visual cracks, etc. Check iBoats to get a feel for pricing.
If it's a salt water boat, the internal water passages may just be failing, pinholes, cracks, etc.