has anyone tried to run the water out of the thermostats directly out the back of the boat instead of running it through the headers, making it dry exuhast.

You're kidding right??? 1) it would melt the exhaust hose in .... say 2 minutes?? 2) Carbon Monoxide would fill the hull 3) It would evetually catch fire ....

Don't even think it......

No water crosses at the head-manifold junction.

If they leaked there, they're rotting through everywhere. I know the manifolds aren't cheap... but price a set of new 502's. Cause that's what you're going to need when they leak internally and destroy your motors.

You got lucky.

got it..

you got the money to rebuild both motors? just seeing the pics ... and you say 7 years ? replace em ....m

As said before, look for some 496 take offs. They are better, lighter and won't break the bank.

Nope No Visa's allowed in my household!!!

They are not leaking internally, the 7 years still has less then 230 hours on the boat!

It is not the manifold that is leaking, it is the plastic plug on the back side of it!!
So thankfully it was a $6 part causing all this commotion
Well and then the cost of new gaskets

But all is well and that is the way it should be

btw, I have been told many times that 496's are not a direct replacement for the 502's
They do not line up with everything. Yes they can be done, but why?

The 496 replacement thing has got me curious. Not that I have a 502, just want to generally know what it entails to do it?

Also a question on exhaust manifolds in general....Do you use any type of gasket adhesive when replacing a new gasket?

No adhesive is needed. Many of the gaskets have a graphite or similar surface to get a good seal.

All is great
Had the exhaust back together yesterday and running on the hose. NO water leaks!
It "was" the plastic bung fitting on the back side of the manifold.
When I took it out it was way to easy and you could see the issue.

Will be on the water this weekend, Mother Nature permitting