I dont know if its common knowledge, but there was a service bulletin for 56 oval port engines regarding water cooling issues causing
middle cylinder problems.. apparently the middle cylinder was not very well cooled. !!!
The remedy from omc was to drill a hole of 5/16th just through the first wall of the block behind the exhaust cover.
here is the diagram that shows where to drill, also there is also a newer design exhaust cover and gasket.
the newer cover part number was 343864
anyone rebuilding or racing one of these might be best to check to see if their engine has been rectified already.
if not it is a very simple thing to do.
Hope it helps anyone using these engines.
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