Thanks for your input but I think you are having difficulties with the actual problem. The gaskets do not fit the intake, all heads and intakes are original mercruiser parts. I was hoping someone that ACTUALLY worked on a similar 1998 carbureted engine may have run into this. It is not a case of mismatched parts so please move on to the next topic.The intake does not fit heads. It is pretty obvious, and it never did according to original post. Former owner had problems. No kidding! Take photo of heads and manifold to a speed shop.
Little salty for someone that doesn't know wtf the issue is and is soliciting free advice, no?Thanks for your input but I think you are having difficulties with the actual problem. The gaskets do not fit the intake, all heads and intakes are original mercruiser parts. I was hoping someone that ACTUALLY worked on a similar 1998 carbureted engine may have run into this. It is not a case of mismatched parts so please move on to the next topic.
Thanks for this picture, if the intake holes in the gasket are smaller then the Vortec style it might take care of it. Amazon says currently unavailable but I will look into these. (My intake only has 8 bolt holes, not sure if it was you but someone thought I had older style 12 bolt intake)or this dual bolt pattern https://www.amazon.com/Small-Intake-Gasket-Vortec-Standard/dp/B076VK6RYF
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I guess I thought the pictures showed the issue I was asking about, I believe I posted that all the parts are OE by the casting numbers. Not sure I said anything about a serial number on my intake either, I looked up all my parts on Mercruiser using the engine serial numbers.Little salty for someone that doesn't know wtf the issue is and is soliciting free advice, no?