oil in exhaust manifold 1989 3.0L mercruiser

[natsgrampy]

I was draining the water from the engine of my 89 3.0L mercruiser. I opened the petcock on the block and nice clear water came out. When I removed the plug from the exhaust manifold the water was discolored as if there was oil or gas in it. What are the possible sources of this? there is not any water in the oil in the crankcase.

 

[Bondo]

Re: oil in exhaust manifold 1989 3.0L mercruiser

Ayuh,... It get's pretty dirty in the exhaust manifold, 'n riser,...
Is the a saltwater run boat, or sweetwater run,..??

If Saltwater, ya probably oughta pull the riser, 'n inspect the gasket surface at the manifold...

 

[natsgrampy]

Re: oil in exhaust manifold 1989 3.0L mercruiser

the boat is run in both. I will pull the riser and check out the gasket. Thanks for the help.

 

[Bondo]

Re: oil in exhaust manifold 1989 3.0L mercruiser

the boat is run in both. I will pull the riser and check out the gasket. Thanks for the help.

Ayuh,... It's the gasket surface of the manifold, 'n the riser that deteriorate, not so much the gasket itself...

Clean 'em real good to shiney metal, 'n check 'em with a straight edge...

 

[natsgrampy]

Re: oil in exhaust manifold 1989 3.0L mercruiser

Just to be certain, as I am sooooooooooo inexperienced at this, you are referring to the gasket/surface found when the manifold is removed?

The exhaust manifold cylinder head gasket.

Should I replace the gaskets on the front and back of manifold while I have it dismantled? Would I be better served to wait until spring to perform this repair so the new parts don't have to "survive" the winter?

 

[Bondo]

Re: oil in exhaust manifold 1989 3.0L mercruiser

Just to be certain, as I am sooooooooooo inexperienced at this, you are referring to the gasket/surface found when the manifold is removed?

The exhaust manifold cylinder head gasket.

Should I replace the gaskets on the front and back of manifold while I have it dismantled? Would I be better served to wait until spring to perform this repair so the new parts don't have to "survive" the winter?

Nope,.... The manifold bolts to the head,...
The Riser bolts to the Manifold, 'n directs the exhaust, 'n spent water overboard....
Pull the Riser, Off the Manifold,... Those gasket surfaces....

Just Drain the block, 'n manifold before ya start takin' things apart...

As for the forward, 'n aft manifold plates,...
If they ain't leakin', leave 'em alone...

Do it Now, 'n Santa will know what to bring ya,....

 

[natsgrampy]

Re: oil in exhaust manifold 1989 3.0L mercruiser

Might that also be referred to as the exhaust elbow?
Sorry for the questions, I am really mechanically challenged and want to be looking in the correct area.

 

[Bondo]

Re: oil in exhaust manifold 1989 3.0L mercruiser

Might that also be referred to as the exhaust elbow?
Sorry for the questions, I am really mechanically challenged and want to be looking in the correct area.

Ayuh,.... I believe yer correct, many parts listings call 'em that...