1993 Crownline 225 CCR 7.4L Bravo 1

[FuelishBehavior]

1st Question: I pulled the starboard exhaust elbow off to visually inspect my manifolds for corrosion. They seem to look fine. (chasing an engine temp. heat up at idle) Since the exhaust system looks good, I bought a new gasket to put back between the manifold and the elbow. This gasket has two small holes and two large openings that seem to match the manifold/elbow. What direction do the two small holes (1/8" diameter +/-) go in? Fore and aft, or port to starboard?

2nd Question: Since I am chasing an idling engine temp. heat up problem. At higher RPM's engine temp. seems to drop to normal, would the circulation pump be a possible cause? The manifolds look fine, it has a new sea water pump impeller, and I'm changing the 140 degree thermostat as well. There does seem to be a small rusty water line on the bottom of the water pump coming from the weep hole...similar to what you see when an automotive water pump starts going bad. I plan to pull off the power steering cooler as well to make sure it is completely free of debris. I did smoke an impeller pretty bad over the summer and when I backflushed the system there were chunks that came out. Possibly could steel be some lodged.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Fun Times]

The small holes of the gaskets go Fore and Aft. https://www.perfprotech.com/blog/art...r-exhaust-tips

Also thoroughly check inside the thermostat housing for any leftover impeller parts. It's a 50/50 if you have a bad water circulating pump internally. Since it's leaking, it's time to change it while you're in there.

Hope you find it soon, good luck.