My buddy's volvo penta is steaming much more than normal at idle ands is having an occasional start problem. The engine is a 496, water temp is good. He is thinking that his starting problems are electrical and that he's running rich at idle because it smells different. I suspect that he has a problem with his exhaust manifolds/risers or with an intake manifold leak. Engine oil looks good. Is there a straightforward way to determine whether the intake manifold has a leak without removing it? The risers are going to get new gaskets at a minimum, but he will probably change out the exhaust system. Any input would be appreciated,

Rene

Good question...give u a bump

Spray Ether Or Carb Cleaner Around The Manifold And If Your Engine Revs Then You Have A Leak. Make Sure That It Does Not Get Into The Carb Or You Will Get False Readings.

Thanks for the tip. Plugs came out today and #5 is chalky. Looks like it's definitely the riser/manifolds. Any other tips would be appreciated.

Rene

The Volvo exhaust system on the 496 -8.1 GS1 is about as weak as they come, nothing more than the old Vovlo 454 big block manifolds with a wet joint at the riser. Get a good after market exhaust and the engine will definitly make more power and less steam. As for the starting problem, the funky plugs you found may be the answer there. good Luck

Ray @ Raylar