History: I have a 1989 OMC with a 4.3V6 Chevy engine. Previous owner didn't winterize and cracked the block. The crack was exterior and was fixed. Boat has run well for two years. <br /><br />Problem: 1) This summer, pulled the right side exhaust manifold in July to replace a cracked rubber elbow. Not confident that I properly cleaned the mating surfaces when re-attaching the manifold and I also used gasket sealer. When I finally found a shop manual, it said not to use gasket sealer. 2) Went to winterize in my driveway and had trouble starting. Pulled the three plugs on the right side and found small amounts of water. Dried engine out and started engine back up for short amount of time w/o water going to the right side. 3) Pulled valve cover and found a white goo with the consistecy of grease on the back, underside of the valve cover. Oil dipstick shows no rise in fluid level. <br /><br />Question: Is the white goo the much mentioned "sign of water in the engine"? If so, since it's only on the right side, does that eliminate the cracked block and bad head gasket as culprits. Since the boat ran ok and only had small amounts of water in the plugs, could this just be condensation? What is the cheapest way to begin troubleshooting? If the recommendation is to pressure test my manifold, please explain how. I have read all (i think) posts on this topic and can't find a good one on diy pressure test. <br /><br />Please help me. I am sick over this problem and am seriously losing sleep.
