if merc., say's springs at 200 hrs I would think it is the same or less for the 700's
Joe

Until someone has called Merc HP 920-924-2088 and gives us a direct quote this is all

Does Merc really recommend springs at 250 hours on the 525? I would think they would be good for at least 400 even when ran hard.

yes

Does the blower allow that much smaller of a cam?[/QUOTE]

The cam in the 700 is the same cam that is in the 500EFI engine.

Dont know Merc's schedule but I do know these 200 hr 700's
The trip 700s springs were very weak 118/124 on the seat and the rockers had play in the bearing's due to the weak springs letting them hammer.
New springs and better trunion bearing rockers really woke the motors up. No new lifters.
Jim

Ok I just got off the phone with Bob from Merc HP on 700 top end recommended preventive maintenance. He said " at 300 hrs. pull valve covers and do valve spring, rocker arm, retainer inspection. Check for broken or damaged valve springs, retainers etc. If all looks good then do a leak down on motor. If leak down is good then run it for another 100 hrs and change the springs at 400 hrs and do another leak down. If leak down is good run it and if leak down is marginal or high do valve job." It only takes a few minutes to call and ask questions. Why would you not want to get the info from the manufacturer ? It doesn't cost anything and might save you a whole lot of money on repairs not needed, but hey I can break anything no matter what they say.

Now that makes sense! Thanks for the update.

These 700's were ran at high rpm all the time,
which is harder and shorten's the life of parts !!!
Jim

Mercury doesn't tell you everything. 400 hrs on this valve train is very optimistic. There are known rocker arm and spring failures on engines with less than 200 hrs. Drop a valve and the valve springs and rockers will be the least of your worries. Preventative maintenance is the key to not breaking engines!