2006 20V motor issues

[Snowline Academy]

I have a couple unique questions.

Since I've owned the boat, the steering is RIDICULOUSLY stiff. Is this normal for this year TIGE? It steers like an old truck without power steering.

When I engage the throttle, the boat "clunks" into gear. Done this since we've owned it.

Several weeks ago we hydro locked the motor. Pulled the plugs, cleared them, changed the oil and oil filter and started back up. Ran for 2 weeks and it locked up again. Repeated the process and has been fine since.
Some say head gasket others say exhaust manifold gasket... It's been 3 weeks and we've driven it probably 50 hours, with no issues. Checked the plugs the other day and they're dry.

Yesterday I had a full boat and ballast while surfing. I noticed the idle had increased from my normal 2-2200 RPM while towing to over 3k. I went out later with only 2 people in the boat. Standing idle is at 2k

Last issue is it diesels really bad when I shut the motor off.

I have the Marine Power GM 315 5.7L

[WYTige?]

Replace your steering cable and that will take care of that.

As far as the other issues, I'd start with manifold gasket but sure others will chime in.

[chpthril]

Yes, time for a steering cable. They are a wear item and do need to be replaced form time to time.

Clunk: whats the engine idle speed? Clunk and dieseling sounds like a high idle.

Need to find the source of the water, other wise, you are guessing. Along with head or gasket, exhaust manifold or gasket, it could be intake manifold gasket possibly.

[lee]

Standing idle should not be 2K but maybe 600-800 RPM.