Bill 3

Any suggestions on where to buy 2 new couplers and 2 new water pumps for a 496 HO?

I was shocked by the price. I know it is all a part of the world of boating, but every little bit counts.

Water pump 46-862914A2 $403.80 each
Coupler 861523A7 $408.13 each

I guess I am happy that merc went away from the plastic housings, but they could have at least added stainless and replaceable backer plates to keep the soft brass from going away.

Thanks,
Bill

SeaRay Jim

Is that the recirculating pump, Merc P/N 850454-1? Does the 496 take a different one than 454/502's? If not, try Intense Marine. I bought one for $80 for my new motor. I'm not sure how they are able to sell them so cheap, but they are brand mew Merc pumps.

Try eBay for intensemarine first before calling. I called direct and had to hassle with faxing CC authorization back and forth etc., then found out they are also selling on eBay and "DO" take Paypal afterall. Sure would have been easier...

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

The 496 motors, use a different pump than the past. It is entirely brass, and damn near bulletproof, and yes, expensive. How did you manage to tear one up Bill?

Marc at BAM Marine, an OSO Advertiser has great prices:
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/

Bill 3

How did I tear up a water-pump? Well, I bought this boat (2001 model) last May with 215 hours on it off of the great lakes. I did my homework, but not sure if I would have received a passing grade on the history of the boat. I did know that the previous owner had sucked up a bunch of sand once and changed both impellers, so I am not sure how much sand, etc these motors have seen, and there are no sea strainers. I changed both impellers after buying the boat along with all kinds of other maintenance with the impression that the previous owner wasn't too preventative oriented. I assumed he hadn't hurt anything and I found no problems in the computer history. Anyway, when changing the impellers, I paid no attention to the brass body for wear, I assumed them to be though. I have had trouble with the water draining back and a hard time priming the pumps on cold starts. I couldn't imagine it being the pumps, but it is.

Thanks for the replies,
Bill

Nordicflame

iTrader: (4)

There has been several threads regarding the water pump on the 496s. They all seem to struggle with the first draw on water and the brass wears quickly on the housings.
Not sure what they were thinking on this one?????

Raylar

These pumps are actually made by Jabsco, except on the 496 Mercury has a special back coverplate section which holds the water pressure sensor and drain plug. This part can be used over. Just match the front part of the pump with the same Jabsco unit and switch the back cover and you are in business for about half that amount. Hope this helps.
Rya @ Raylar

Bill 3

Hey that helps a lot.

Thank you very much Ray.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

WOW, thank you Raylar. I am all over that. Probably gonna pick up a spare, but MAN!!!! Those things are B I T C H to remove!!!

Griff

I know my a local dealer has changed out a few because the sand from our river eats the brass on the ends of the impeller.

Baja_man

So is it common for these to go bad after sucking up some water debris? My merc mechanic says mine is bad after this happened.