This may sound like a real stupid guestion, but here goes. I have a 02 496 Ho and have put new tips with internal flappers on the boat. I hear so much about water ingestion, just how do you know if this happens? I have noticed a slight difference in the sound over the last couple of outings. It seems to run fine and was just wondering if it happens to a small degee what would the syptoms be. I know I could pull the plugs but should I if the motor runs normal???

Its not a common problem in 99% of boats so don't worry really not with stock stuff ,,,

The purpose of your tips with flappers is to keep the water out of your engine while the boat is resting and rollers are hitting you from all directions. Most of the talk about water ingestion is related to running huge cams and leaky exhaust manifolds which your flappers do nothing to prevent.