Thanks for the response gemdozer. I have to admit my theory of water leftover in a low spot was wishful thinking. I am not looking forward to pulling the pony motor.
"i reject your reality and substitute my own" - adam savage. i suspect my final words maybe "well shit, that didnt work"
instead of perfection some times we just have to accept practicality
is it possible to pressure test the cooling system? that might help diagnose a cracked block.
you can also get test kits to check for combustion products in the coolant.
that would only show a crack from cyl to water jacket though.
thanks for the suggestions. I am not certain how to pressure test the cooling system since the main and the pony share the system. I am going to remove the lower inspection plate from the pony motor this weekend and see if I can see anything from there. Not sure how successful it will be. Probably going to end up pulling the pony after one more start of the main this year.