We own a 98' Formula FASTech. In the past three years we have already had to replace the inner springs, the HP500's with GIL exhaust system, reverted water and damaged motors. Both motors had to be rebuilt. Anyone experience these problems? Any suggestions?

I was reading last week in I think,,,Boaters World Mag that Mercruiser actually issued a recall on the HP500's to replace the inner valve springs that were breaking due to water & corrosion. Better check it out as you may have some money coming to ya' from Merc'. Maybe the dealer just kept silent about the recall, charged you & Merc!! Stranger things have happened.
Increasing the idle speed was the fix after spring replacement.....

OUCH that sucks!!! I think that Phantom had a similiar problem. Hope he checks the board out.

Jon

I just had my HP500EFI worked on, I posted the symptom on the board, what a response I got.

Mine was not the valve springs, lifter gone soft, but I did learn a lot.

It does appear that it is not "uncommon" for the HP500 Carb'd motors to have problems with the inner springs on the exhaust valve at about 150-170hrs. After talking to both Merc HP and Bob Teague they both confirmed that the part was changed on the EFI's and ithe newer springs are available as an upgrade/retrofit for the HP500 carb'd motors. No one mentioned a recall or warranty issue with the springs.

Hope this helps.