Soon to be new owner (hopefully)!!!
Platinum Member
05-13-2013, 05:54 PM
#12
I've read a lot about the header issues as well on the 525's. Don't rag on me too much for this, but I'm not likely to be doing 80's on a regular basis. More likely to be cruising in the 50-60 mph range most often with the occasional thrill ride. My question is really do the header problems surface if the engines are pushed hard frequently or is it more a function of the engine design generally?
05-13-2013, 08:23 PM
#13
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Location: Cincinnati, OH
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With those headers, ... "it just is", meaning there is nothing specific that causes failure. Some get lucky ... and some don't. Some say it is the extra unsupported length on the staggered engines, others say salt water, others just say $hitty quality, and others have no problems at all. 
There is a merc service bulletin to remove the rear hose, plug that bung and change the flow restrictor bushings. Supposed to put more water flow around the tubes. Supposedly the "pre-cool collar" are worse, but there have been failures of the ones with cool collars, too. Usually it is in the welds where they either develop pinholes, or crack. I started draining mine after every outing ... I couldn't stand the thought of those headers trashing my nice metallic blue and polished stainless steel masterpiece that merc made while I was home, asleep, after a fun day of boating ....
There is a merc service bulletin to remove the rear hose, plug that bung and change the flow restrictor bushings. Supposed to put more water flow around the tubes. Supposedly the "pre-cool collar" are worse, but there have been failures of the ones with cool collars, too. Usually it is in the welds where they either develop pinholes, or crack. I started draining mine after every outing ... I couldn't stand the thought of those headers trashing my nice metallic blue and polished stainless steel masterpiece that merc made while I was home, asleep, after a fun day of boating ....
Last edited by bob_t; 05-13-2013 at 08:29 PM.
