OK, used to frequent this group many years ago, but haven't for some time.
This year I have problems. A couple weeks ago, started the engine first time
this year, and water was pouring out of the port side. It is a mercruiser
4.3lx 1995. Found a blown freeze plug. Strange, because I winterized it like
I always have, and our winter here NE OH wasn't especially harsh. After much
swearing and removing an engine mount while standing on my head, I replaced
the freeze plug and put every thing back together.

To my horror, the engine oil is cafe latte, elmer's carpenter's glue, beige
paint. Two oil changes and flush, and still the same milky nightmare.

The engine starts up runs smooth, with no hint of miss. The certified
mechanic in my club suspects a head gasket, and suggests compression test.
OK, but my experience with low compression is a rough running engine.

Is it possible to have a gasket blown between the water jacket and oil
gallery without affecting compression? I'm going to inspect the plugs next,
but since it runs smooth, I don't know what it might tell me.

There is no more water leaking anywhere externally that I can tell. I hate
to think cracked block, but how else could so much water get into the oil?
The oil pressure is fine, etc.

Research on my part talks of exhaust manifolds and heat risers, but the
water has to go through the cylendars to get to the oil pan.

Am I screwed? Good advice will be greatly appreciated.

Jeff
Fairport Harbor, OH