Exhaust manifold gasket failure

Late last season out of no where a large noise started in the engine compartment. Sounded almost like a stuck lifter or perhaps worse. Took it to the dealer, we fired it up and the mechanic said in a matter of fact way......"yep, another blown exhaust manifold gasket"....I'm thinking, oh boy....what is this going to cost me?? The barge is almost 2 years old and out of warranty. Dealer (bless them) managed to get it covered because Mercruiser KNEW there was a problem with these. Both were replaced at no cost (even though only one was 'bad' at the time).

So what I'm saying......if you have a 5.0L (not sure if same on 5.7L), the new blocks have fewer studs to hold the exhaust manifolds to the heads. The 'missing' studs in the middle create a prime area for the 'standard' gasket to blow. As I understand it, there's a new stronger gasket that they put into mine (and probalby can in any before they 'blow').

Something you might want to check into with your dealer NOW while things are slow and not in the heat of the summer on a weekend when you really want to use your boat.

Steve L.