www.iFourWinns.com

I leave an IR temp gun on the boat to check stuff so I know what's normal and what's too hot.
Exhaust manifolds...hottest they get right after coming off plane is 135*F. After idling they are at about 100* which is just bit warm.
Choke stove area...hot engine it might top out at 135 max.
Oil filter...200*F after running on plane...
My engine being older does have some blow by but it doesn't really smell like hot oil. I think its worth poking around that engine compartment to make sure its not something else (ie p/s fluid leaking on something...like the oil filter...oil pan...any remote filter lines...they can leak...).
In some engines if the oil temp hits close to 200 that might make the oil pan hot enough if there is a main seal leak, to make a smell.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

I'm thinking that engine has some hot spots due to a clogged exhaust manifold, but since it's past the water temp sensor it will show "normal".

An IR gun from harbor freight should be in everyone's toolbox and the engine should be checked often. I always did a touch test of my manifolds every couple weeks for hot spots/overheating.

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Update: I had my mechanic look at it this morning- I really wanted his expertise on the subject, because honestly... with my guessing what it might be is like shooting fish in a barrel, lol.

Anyways, he found that the starboard engine has leaky valve cover gaskets and the PCV hose was hard and cracked. Im going to replace the valve cover gaskets myself and he had a piece of hose he left on the boat for me to use.

I will do all that, and report back if the oil smell is still there!

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21