I started my 4.3l mercruiser and there is water spurting out between the block and the manifold. What's up?

Question

I started my 4.3l mercruiser and there is water spurting out between the block and the manifold. What's up?

Answer 1

I wouldn't be so quick to think gasket.  Look at the crankcase oil.  Is it milky???   The manifold is not a big job to pull, so I'd take it off and inspect it closely.   Good Luck!

Answer 2

change your intake manifold gasket, it sounds like it is broken or rotted.

Answer 3

The manifold gasket dried out. It shouldn't be too hard to replace.

Answer 4

Im sorry if i dissapoint you but this is the main spot for the block to crack due to improper winterization. Check your engine oil if it does not look like a oily milkshake than you are alright. This means that the crack occoured externally in a water jacket instead of internally. Pull the manifold off go ahead and order a new manifold gasket kit, take a grinder or dremel tool and grind down the crack about 1/8 inch. Clean around the crack good with grinder. A epoxy such as jb weld will seal up the crack and hold for years. I had a boat repaired a while back and was guarenteed by the mechanic that the repair job would outlast the boat. Let the epoxy set up on crack (approx half a day) reassemble manifold and you should be ready for the water. Periodicly check oil to make sure no water appears. Hope I have helped.