500 EFI's with 250 Hours
10-14-2003, 06:34 PM
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500 EFI's with 250 Hours
I have twin 500 EFI's with approximately 250 hours on them. Only two (2) years old and have NOT been run hard. Question, they are both running great but I have heard that you should change valve springs since they have a reputation for acting up at approximately 300 hours. Any advice out there? They are running great without any issues so I am tempted not to worry and leave well enough alone but...., don't want issues next season.
Anyone with some experience with newer 500's?
Anyone with some experience with newer 500's?
10-14-2003, 08:27 PM
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I have 2000 500 EFI's that I run Hard with 155 hrs. They also run perfect. I plan on changing all valve springs this winter as preventive measure....its cheap insurance and easy to do. I plan on running ISKY springs. Several posts have come up in the past with broken valve springs and/or lifter failures between 150-300 hrs. In my opinion when the lifters are going the valve springs are probably going first and beating them out....never a happy ending. While you are changing springs, be sure the Crane Gold rockers are in good shape.
Last edited by jdnca1; 10-14-2003 at 08:35 PM.
10-15-2003, 11:53 AM
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flash,I also have 500efi with 250hrs.Everything I've read says the original Cranes in the 500s did have a problem;then they (Mercury) changed to a different spring(still Crane) and that fixed the problem.Ofcourse peace of mind goes a long way towards having fun.If you do have them changed,I've heard Isky is the way to go.Check with Blown1500 or BUDAH,they'll know.BOB
10-16-2003, 07:59 AM
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Lets see,the cost of lifters,springs and keepers versus the cost of complete engine destruction? I think my 307 hour old 500 is getting some new parts this winter .
10-16-2003, 09:27 AM
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I too, have a 1999 Carb HP500 with 155 hrs. and she runs 70% of the time @ ~ 1000-1200 rpms, (MANATEE ZONES!!!) and the other 30% of the time @ ~ 3000-4000 rpms. She is running great, change the Mobil1 15-50 oil and filter every 25 hrs, and have had NO PROBLEMS! BUT I'm concerned about the valve spring issue also.
MD
MD
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Last edited by Dean Ferry; 10-16-2003 at 09:29 AM.
10-16-2003, 10:10 AM
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The valve spring issue was resolved with the valve spring change on the 500efi's. The source of the problem was related to reversion on the carb motors. Now, there is also a maintenance issue that comes up. I've been lead to believe that all BBC HIGH-PERFORMANCE engines run under 5500rpm should have their springs and lifters replaced at 250hours.
10-17-2003, 12:30 PM
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Where is Mercury on this issue? I hear so many mixed messages on the valve spring issue, I would like to know what the guy's who designed and build the motor think should be done.
I know people with 150 hours that have had spring problems. I also know people who have 450 hours on these engines and no valve spring problems.
Just really curious what Merc has to say.
I know people with 150 hours that have had spring problems. I also know people who have 450 hours on these engines and no valve spring problems.
Just really curious what Merc has to say.
