This is F'n drivin me nuts!

Pulled the valve covers, just for a visual inspection. Everything looked good. Lots of milky crap on the tops of the valve covers. Pulled the headers. 1 looked fine. 1 showed small amount of moisture going into #4 cylinder. It doesn't appear to have been happening very much, as it seemed like a very small amount. Water looked fresh, and I saw no evidence of this happpening for while. How would I know for sure, this is causing a problem?

Before that I changed oil again, and ran it on the house, with some diesel to help flush it out. Oil does look darker, but could be the diesel.

Leakdown results are in the garage, so going from memory, the lowest I saw was 15% highest was 20% Checked each cylinder twice, but I don't know how much I trust the gauge (harbor freight) or the operator (1st time ) Motor was warm, Throttle wide open, each cylinder at TDC (maybe off a hair). Couldn't hear any obvious signs. each one sounded like it was going through the intake or center of the motor.

Why not try and reseal where the headers meet the tail pipes? It will only cost you a tube of silicone! Pull the hoses off and do it!! Reversion will drive you nuts........

Who put the engine together? did the person use sealer on the head bolts or studs?? improper head gaskets,improper head torque..if their not torqued to proper spec the compression could be pushing the water past the head gasket into the lifter valley..

i had one a few years ago doing the same thing after a bore and rebuild, it turned out to be porosity in one of the cylinders..the motor would get to operating temps and their was a pin hole on the cylinder that sprayed water into the oil pan..replaced the block and the problem went away.

Not trying to sound dumb, but I'm not sure what your talking about. I have checked every inch of the headers. There are no bolts connecting tailpipes. It looks like mine are completly welded 1 piece. ends slip into a rubber hose, which is connected to tip through the transom.

Jim Valako put the motor together I believe. There was also a precision power sticker on it, so maybe they helped. I dunno.

I was told it was a turn key reliable motor, and I didn't get 2 hrs before I found a problem. I have an email telling me it was built way better then any HP500 motor. right now I could care less if it was 4.3L as long as I could go boating.

Loose intake bolts
Loose bolt from the pulleys to the crank (finger tight) WTF!
Havn't checked the head bolts yet, but will put a torque wrench on them before I put it back together. I am about ready to throw in the towel, and take it somewhere.

you say half the water is dumped? why not dump it all and run it for a few to see if it milkshakes or not? if it still does it then you have other problems if not then you know what the problem is. I dont know if 16psi is enough to show an internal leak or not?

I would be calling the guy you got it from and inform him about all the trouble your having,if he is a man of his word he should stand behind his product..

He knows. I would imagine he has read, or is reading this thread. I have have asked for help already, and nothing.

We've traded a few emails, and he has given me info on the motor when I asked, although when I found the problem, I called,and left a voicemail never did get a call back.

I honestly don't know who to blame in this situation. The builder, the seller, or whoever. All I know is I was suppossed to be buying a realiable motor. I even stated I was scared of the motor before I bought the boat, and was reassured I would have no problems with it. The ad for it on here, even had another OSO member vouch for the condition of it. Like an idiot I took his word. The boat, and motor apeard to be in great shape. Started on the hose, and ran great. (still does) In fact everything the seller owned, looked to be in tip top shape. I honestly don't want to believe he knew there was a problem, cuase he seemed honest, but this is stupid, and I have inherited a problem.

I simply don't have the $$ to have the motor tore down, and rebuilt, and that is out of my abiltity. I've tried to do everything I can to fix it, but it appears its over my head, and I will be making payments on a boat I can't use.

I'm gonna go talk to the guy everyone around here uses for marine HP motors. See what he says I guess.

Thanks for everyone's help.

did the oil look new in the boat when you bought it?

If you bought the boat and used it once than had a problem with water in the oil then the problem probably existed..

what state do you reside in?

Oil looked ok when I was looking at it.

Started on the hose at the sellers house in 15 degree weather, ran for aprox 10 min. Motor never got warm.

Brought the boat home. Cleaned, polished, added some bling, etc. NEVER started the boat cuase it was still to cold out. Finally drained the oil, and refilled (since I didn't know how old the oil was) When I drained it, I noticed a little water, but chalkded it up to condesation at the time, nothing like what I have now.

Used the boat for 30 min, and thought the oil PSI was to high, so I got scared, and put it back on the trailer. Called the seller. told him I put straight 50 VRI in. He said to run 20/50VRI. Drained again, and noticed a small amount of water, again thought it was condensation (still nothing like I have now). Ran it aprox 2 hrs. Boat ran great. Perfect day on the water. Got home check oil, and noticed right away from the dipstick I had problems.

I'm not petty. I expect little things to break, and fix. I even stated if it was just intake gaskets, or even head gaskets I didn't expect any help, but I'm starting to fear its internal right now the biggest frustration is not knowing whats going on.