Mercruiser 898 uneven temps on air intake manifold

[CamdenDave]

Just bought a boat with a 898 Mercruiser. We took the boat for a ride before purchasing, everything was fine. I ran the engine today with the hose clamp on it and was checking the engine with an IR temp gun. Both exhaust manifolds were 145 degrees. The air intake had uneven temps. On the starboard side the front and back were 160, the center just below the carb was 180. On the port side the front and back were 180 but the center just below the carb was at 220?

Thoughts?

 

[Bt Doctur]

sounds about right for a carb`d motor. There is an exaust cross-over in the manifold to warm the carb body.

 

[CamdenDave]

Thank you. I was hoping I was over reacting to the situation. Plan on taking my family out Sunday and wanted to make sure everything is good.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Yep, older sbc with exhaust crossover