One Man's Manifolds 5.7 Mer...

[Captain_Crunch]

After running my boat engine for a bit, which by the way is a 2000 GM MerCruiser 5.7 carbed with thunderbolt ignition, my starboard side manifold is significantly hotter than my port side manifold. I can put my hand on the port side manifold and it's just slightly warm but my starboard manifold I can barely touch...
Temp gauge is reading nothing hot, although I'm not sure where it reads from, she hovers right around 140 degrees. I did notice a bit of a spike in oil pressure when first hitting the water, but that leveled out after a short time as well.
Any thoughts on why one manifold would be scorching hot and one not? and is this a big deal, or am I over thinking it...

 

[alldodge]

Nothing to worry about, one side will always be hotter then the other. Just a fact that water flows the path of least resistance. So long as when you touch it your not burned instantly you should be fine

 

[Scott Danforth]

one manifold usually gets a bit more flow than the other.

your oil pressure will always be higher when you first start the motor (oil is more viscous when its cold)

 

[Bondo]

she hovers right around 140 degrees.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... 140? ain't Hot for a motor, but it'll burn yer hand quite badly,....

One side always runs hotter than the other, usually starboard, but not always,....

 

[Captain_Crunch]

Thanks fellas, the folks in this forum are really helpful, thanks for the info!