But it's so shiny and pretty...

Veloc - He hasn't run the engine yet since he got it back from the builder. IF the bolts are too long by just a little you wouldn't get the proper clamping force by justenough to make it leak.

I agree with you whole heartedly. I'm very interested to see what they and definitely want to hear that he is up and running without issues

What an ordeal, right I posted pan to show how I had to cut tabs. He mentioned earlier that he thinks builder left pan out this time around. They aren't needed for single plane manifolds like ours.

By the way I have 2 Original 540 bulldog rotating assemblies, neutral balance. Manley h beam rods, wiseco pistons, lunati 4.375 cranks. I was thinking bout keeping them but not sure.

Thanks guys. Builder is handeling it from here. Other then the fact its happening i cant really say anything negative about the builder. unfortunatley he wants to motor out which sucks but in less then 2 hrs ill have it sitting on the stand in my truck.

Ill report back when i hear what the issue is. And no,it will NOT go back in till i know for sure 100% its fixed

Update
 

Motor got dropped off monday morning. He just texted me a picture of him checking heads. The intake is off. He has it pumped up to 15# and its been holding for 2 hrs. Hes gonna let it sit overnight and check again

seeing as it wouldnt hold for 2 min for me im gonna go ahead and assume i have an intake issue

either the manifold itself is bad (freshwater only. (Aluminum dart intake)

there was a gasket issue with the manifold

or i had something wasnt sealed when i was checking it. I was spraying soapy water around looking fir bubbles and never did find anything.

Inwould imagine i could check the intake by itself somehow?

You could fab intake block-off plates from wood and bolt them on over the water jackets. Would only need on the front unless it has rear water ports.

Maybe a silly question but why didn't you send him the complete engine to Check?

Padraig

Maybe like tinkerer said. The bolt are to long but in the manifold. I started one engine in boat the other day and have the intake installed on the one I pulled. Hoping to have it in by Fri. I'd be eyeballing that intake. I had to replace my darts. They looked great but had eroded around the water ports. Probably could have used them but don't want any issues. I bought new merlin marine intakes. They have brass inserts at all water passages. I know they don't perform as well as darts but they aren't going give me any surprises