You mentioned taking your turbulators out? I would never recommend taking them out on a boat used in salt water.
The extra corrosion of salt water condensation in the exhaust after shut down is exactly why turbulators are used to begin with.
Rust on the steel (non-stainless )stock valves , valve stems and seats will give iron head 496's fits. I think if the cylinder walls look great and there is no other moderate or major piston or ring damage apparent, then redoing the heads and going back on with them should get your compression numbers back in line and should solve your issues. I know its $1600 but there is no other cheap fix for this problem and it does not mean the rest of the engine block is a problem.

I think you will be just fine. Best of luck, be safe, have fun boating and enjoy!

Best Regards,
Ray @ Raylar

Thanks for the reply Ray. I did think the turbulators had been removed but I was wrong.. Saw them last night in the boat. Anyway my plan right now is send out one head and have it done. Slap it back on and check compression and leak down. If it s ok send out the other head. That will probably save me $500 to totally identify that it is heads and not something else.

Chris

Related thread.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...ml#post3627396

Chris