Offshoreonly.com - Needs some help here guys.....

Engine sounds like its running on about 3 or 4 cylinders. Started it up to leave the river and sounded a lil funny but thought it might be loading up a little. Its a 502mpi with a Whipple on it. I have Stainless Marine exhaust.

I got half way home and it started running funny. Couldn't get full throttle out of it. Got in the channel and it was having to idle it high to keep it running. I noticed it had lots of steam coming out of the starboard exhaust. I raised the hatch and I couldn't even put my hand on the exhaust at the collector it was so HOT. I checked the oil and there was NO milky color to it. So I'm thinking the gasket went where the collector connects to the manifold and is dumping water into the cylinders.

It could possibly be a leak on the intake gasket, but I'm thinking I would still have plenty of water coming out of the exhaust if that was the case. The engine did not have any sign of over heating according to the water temp gauge.

Found out my mechanic is in Florida helping the boys out there on insurance claims. Looks like I may have to fix it myself.

Any help on this would be greatly Appreciated. Don't want to spend money where it is NOT needed.

And yes,,,,Still in Iraq, but coming home for R&R in about 6 days! Hooray!!!

Thanks,

Shawn