diff --git a/tests/nodeos_startup_catchup.py b/tests/nodeos_startup_catchup.py
index 1ae2142f6d..b36b829401 100755
--- a/tests/nodeos_startup_catchup.py
+++ b/tests/nodeos_startup_catchup.py
@@ -198,8 +198,15 @@ def waitForNodeStarted(node):
         logFile = Utils.getNodeDataDir(catchupNodeNum) + "/stderr.txt"
         f = open(logFile)
         contents = f.read()
-        if contents.count("3030001 unlinkable_block_exception: Unlinkable block") > 15: # a few are fine
-            errorExit(f"Node{catchupNodeNum} has unlinkable blocks: {logFile}.")
+        # See https://github.com/AntelopeIO/spring/issues/81 for fix to reduce the number of expected unlinkable blocks
+        # Test verifies LIB is advancing, check to see that not too many unlinkable block exceptions are generated
+        # while syncing up to head.
+        numUnlinkable = contents.count("3030001 unlinkable_block_exception: Unlinkable block")
+        numUnlinkableAllowed = 500
+        Print(f"Node{catchupNodeNum} has {numUnlinkable} unlinkable_block_exception in {logFile}")
+        if numUnlinkable > numUnlinkableAllowed:
+            errorExit(f"Node{catchupNodeNum} has {numUnlinkable} which is more than the configured "
+                      f"allowed {numUnlinkableAllowed} unlinkable blocks: {logFile}.")
 
     testSuccessful=True