1989 OMC with Chevy 4.3 V6 - I have read many topics on the "water in cylinders" problem (which I have). I have also posted a few questions and received helpful responses. Many people suggest that bad exhaust manifolds and elbows could be the potential problem in addition to a blown head gasket. Can someone explain the theory behind how a bad exhaust manifold could leak water into the cylinders? My OMC manifolds are 1 piece meaning that the design combines the function of the manifold and elbow into 1 piece. Inside this part, I assume there are four passageways - 3 for the exhaust gases and 1 for the water. How could the water get into the gas passageways if they are seperate? Even if it did get in through a crack, wouldn't the pressure from the gases blow it out? <br /><br />In addition, some have called to question the exhaust manifold gasket. If this gasket just seals the gases, how could a problem with the exhaust manifold gasket ever lead to water in the cylinder? ...unless maybe condensation or water sprayed over the manifold...