Ok, about 2 months ago I posted a problem I experienced with my 96' 4.3 I/O Mercruiser. Previously, I was traveling up a river and had to tow someone in because of boat problems. When I dropped them off and acclerated I heard a tapping noise, but when I let off the tapping went away. Then, while idling a few minutes later the engine shut down. When it was cranked a terrible noise was heard from the engine, which ended up being the starter because the engine was locked up. Starter rebuilt no big deal. Long story short, the mechanic who I have known for years, told me that there was water in the cylinders on one side of the engine. Thankfully, I was running in fresh water when it happened. The riser/manifold was removed and found to have a hole in it causing the water intrusion. Water removed and motor actually ran good (out of water of course, with muffs on). Now the problem...the exhaust manifold is no longer available for my engine. Anyone got any suggestions? I am being told there might be an alternative manifold for that engine. I confirmed with mercury that the manifold is NLA. I need two... no sense of replacing one side when I know the other is probably in the same shape. Thanks to everyone who previously replied. The manifold is a one-piece system.
.....JK