Just istalled a new head gasket. Reinstalled the distributor and my buddy was setting the timing while I was cranking the motor . WE had a big back fire. Finally got the boat running .But it steams like crazy and water is in the oil although it runs and starts perfect. Only started it on the trailer so far. But after i shut it down I smelt lots of gas out the back of the boat .I just read a thread and the guy said that was a sure sign of a blown head gasket.Both headers are smokin or steaming like crazy.What are the odds of both head gaskets blowin at the same time. I think ill do a compression test .
Question is will the backfire blow a head gasket. ? I guess it would. It was a good one too. LOUD BOOM
I am still pursuing the intake gasket for the steaming issue and water in the oil.

Yes. I think there is a milkshake god and he is pissed this season. Maybe I just notice it this year since it is happening to me, but it seems it is happening to lots of motors this year.

When I started boating, I remember thinking that they should have less problems than cars.

you should hope it's a gasket and not a piston, i had a supercharger backfire and melted one, same symptoms as yours. good luck anyway.

NOT remember that cars run an average of 1500 rpms at 60 mph


boats run average 3500-4500 rpms cruising

Why would you be cranking the engine while setting the timing? Lucky he did not burn his hair off
Do a compression check. I dought you blew two head gaskets. You might of blown a power valve in the carb, and that is the reason for the gas smell.
Water in the oil, it Sounds like you have other issues

Remember, thats what I thought before I got into boats. I did not know all of the little nuiances. I figured, no tranny, no radiator, less moving parts, etc.