Crusader 454 (1988).... do I have a problem?

[BobCT]

This morning, i was working on the throttle linkage and removed the two bolts that hold the bracket to the intake manifold. I noticed that one of the bolt holes had coolant inside the hole. I cleaned it out w/ a paper towel, re-assembled, re-started for a few mins and checked, no coolant.

I thought that didn't seem right but buttoned everything up and took it for a test run. Over 2,500 rpms's it starts to stutter and sounds like it's misfiring. I think it's also throwing more steam than the other engine but running around 180F. Below 2,500 it ran great.

I'm not sure if I'm burning some coolant or not. It did this last week for the first time. It was a total coincidence that I was working on the throttle cable and removed the mounting bolts and saw the coolant. If I didn't, I would be chasing the usual suspects along with doing some cooling system work which it's due for. I just bought the boat about 3 weeks ago, of course never did this during the sea trial.

I checked the oil and it looked ok. Maybe I should remove some plugs?
The risers and elbows were done at some point, not sure if the exh manifolds are original. BTW, the boat is an 88, freshwater cooled 454's.

The port engine is fine and I removed the same bolts on the that side as well. My 1st question is, should I have seen coolant in the mounting bolt hole (rear of the engine, intake manifold).

thanks,
Bob

 

[JustJason]

Re: Crusader 454 (1988).... do I have a problem?

You should not see coolant anyplace other than the cooling system.

You can pull the plug on the cylinder that is closest to where you see the leak. It may or may not be rusty, if it is, then you know there is coolant getting fed into that cylinder. If it is not rusty, it still does not rule a coolant leak out. Post a pic of your leak if you can. But by your post my first inclination is a new intake manifold gasket.