Maiden voyage rebuilt engine

[brian3127]

We had this foamy stuff come out between the exhaust intake manifold and head. We tightened the bolts. Even though they were torqued down with a torque wrench. I don’t remember what the spec was. The foaming stopped. I didn’t get the picture until we got back to the dock. What would this be.
So it just looks like liquid in the pic. Has a gas smell also
There is no water in the oil. There is not foam in the rocker cover.
Center of pictures

 

[alldodge]

Leaking water is that area would have me thinking a crack in the water jacket, intake/exhaust

 

[dubs283]

Congrats on the new motor, the fluid you are seeing is minimal and is most likely a byproduct of the rebuild. Soak it up with a rag, continue to run/use/enjoy your new motor and monitor the break in

 

[brian3127]

Congrats on the new motor, the fluid you are seeing is minimal and is most likely a byproduct of the rebuild. Soak it up with a rag, continue to run/use/enjoy your new motor and monitor the break in

Do you think we should take the manifold off and replace the gasket. We did not run the engine over 1500rpms due to break in procedure we were told to follow

 

[dubs283]

Do you think we should take the manifold off and replace the gasket. We did not run the engine over 1500rpms due to break in procedure we were told to follow

Not at this point, unless there is an obvious exhaust leak. The gasket between the manifold and head only seals the exhaust valve passage and there should be no oil/water present there.

In your case my best guess is the material you are seeing is a product of the rebuild/initial running and is most likely from the valve cover breather tube. A collection of oil/water condensation that is a completely normal part of the engine operation

 

[brian3127]

Not at this point, unless there is an obvious exhaust leak. The gasket between the manifold and head only seals the exhaust valve passage and there should be no oil/water present there.

In your case my best guess is the material you are seeing is a product of the rebuild/initial running and is most likely from the valve cover breather tube. A collection of oil/water condensation that is a completely normal part of the engine operation

It was bubbling up between the manifold and head that’s why we tightened the manifold bolts past torque specs. Which I looked up is 25lb. Which I think is low. But that’s what it said.

 

[dubs283]

Which I looked up is 25lb. Which I think is low. But that’s what it said.

That is correct, different based on the motor but 25-35 is the specs I've seen. I can count on one hand the number of manifold bolts I've torqued to spec, best is tight/snug but not overtight/ridiculous tight.

My guess is the fluid wasn't bubbling up from the area, it settled in that area and you witnessed it boiling because if the extreme heat in that location

 

[brian3127]

That is correct, different based on the motor but 25-35 is the specs I've seen. I can count on one hand the number of manifold bolts I've torqued to spec, best is tight/snug but not overtight/ridiculous tight.

My guess is the fluid wasn't bubbling up from the area, it settled in that area and you witnessed it boiling because if the extreme heat in that location

I sure hope you are correct. I will definitely keep an eye on it.
Thanks for your help

 

[brian3127]

Leaking water is that area would have me thinking a crack in the water jacket, intake/exhaust

That’s what I was thinking at first. But the liquid smelled like gas. So I don’t know what to do.

 

[dubs283]

I don’t know what to do.

Number one is don't fret. It's a fresh rebuild and based on what you've said and pics posted I would not worry.

As stated, use your boat and enjoy it. Keep an eye on things as every boater should do and remember that your boat is yours, keep it nice, use it and don't let your friends use it too much

 

[alldodge]

That’s what I was thinking at first. But the liquid smelled like gas. So I don’t know what to do.

Your first comment gave me the impression it didn't stop and kept going until it was re-torqued. If that isn't the case then take the other guys thoughts