Exhaust Question

[Mstrlucky74]

Had my exhaust(risers, elbow manifold) replaced a few months back. I noticed that one riser elbow is really hot(as was before I had the exhaust changed) while the other is cool. I remember reading that you should be able to keep your hand on the riser as a rule of thumb. Well I can't do that to h left one. I questioned the mechanic who did my exhaust and he said that's not true. He told me he has had others question him about this in the past and it's not true with the system/engine I have. He said if you squeeze one hose(not sure which side he said) the other riser will get hot and vice versa. What do you think?

I have an 1998 Searay with inboard Mercruiser 305 5.0. Thanks

 

[rondds]

I have heard that it's not uncommon for elbows to run at different temps, but my understanding has always been that they should be touchable (not-scalding). Can you shoot temp readings of each elbow with an IR temp gun?