2000 mercruiser 4.3 alpha 1 gen 2

[Lastmatchstruck]

I just converted my original one piece batwing style exhaust manifold to the new two piece WET JOINT (OEM MerCruiser 4.3 V6 Exhaust Manifold and Riser Kit (4 inch) 1983-2002) on my 2000 stingray 190lx. The starboard side cooling water hose from the thermostat housing to the starboard side exhaust manifold is in question. Number one, the instructions said not to modify in length by cutting, but no matter how I adjusted the 90/elbow, it would kink my hose at the BOTTOM of the exhaust manifold water inlet because it was a bit too long. Now I also have brass plugs on the top front side of each riser and I’m wondering if that’s where I should be running my cooling water hose/s to either port/starboard side or both. Also, Im noticing a decent temp difference between the port and starboard side on risers (starboard being warmer). I modified hose length and rerouted it to ensure no kinks whatsoever. Has anyone else ran into this be chance? Thanks in advance!

 

[ShoalSurvivor]

I have a 1991 stingray 190lx with a 2001 reman 4.3 4bbl alpha one gen 2
I replaced the batwings 10 years ago.

I also have a temp diff with starboard riser being hotter. It was explained to me as normal.

 

[Lastmatchstruck]

I have a 1991 stingray 190lx with a 2001 reman 4.3 4bbl alpha one gen 2
I replaced the batwings 10 years ago.

I also have a temp diff with starboard riser being hotter. It was explained to me as normal.

Thanks for the reply. I failed to note that my temp gauge stayed right at 160 degrees F under load. What’s the temperature differential between the two manifolds? I have yet to shoot mine with a thermal gun, but will soon have to. Can you explain to me what the brass plug is for on the risers?

 

[Bt Doctur]

plumb to the bottom even if you must cut the hose or replace the hose with the oem one for 4 inch center rise manifolds

 

[Lastmatchstruck]

Thanks for the reply. I whacked off about 1.5” at the top where hose would connect to thermostat housing. I rerouted hose under alternator since it was the absolute only way to route it without any real restrictions/kinks. Have you ran into this personally? I appreciate your feedback.

 

[Scott06]

Thanks for the reply. I failed to note that my temp gauge stayed right at 160 degrees F under load. What’s the temperature differential between the two manifolds? I have yet to shoot mine with a thermal gun, but will soon have to. Can you explain to me what the brass plug is for on the risers?

Brass plug on risers is for an inlet if u run mercs warm manifold system (riser has separate constant cold water feed from thermostat) or if u run closed cooling

 

[Lastmatchstruck]

Brass plug on risers is for an inlet if u run mercs warm manifold system (riser has separate constant cold water feed from thermostat) or if u run closed cooling

Awesome thank you. They were just hand tight from factory. I wasn’t sure what to do other that torque them down.