Anyone have expereince with the 496Mag HO? WOuld like to hear the good and the bad about these motors.

They had some hiccups when they first hit the street with a rod change and fuel rail wiring harness change (only on early serial numbers). I just turned 295 hours since late June '01 and mine has been rock solid. Put a K&N filter on it and it didn't do squat like it did on my previous 502mag boat. Gotta love the closed loop system as well...

I've got one. It's a strong, reliable, turnkey engine. No problems here either after 130 hours. The bugs are ironed out and I'm not aware of any problems with them. The closed cooling very convenient and delivers consistant temperatures in all weather and water conditions.

I have two in my boat. I have nothing bad to say. I can't comment on how they compare to the 502efi that it replaced since I never owned any of those. I have read on this board that poeple have had nagging issues with 502s such as buring oil, leaking oil, etc. Then there's the issue with the wet joint exhaust on the 502's.

The 496hos I have don't have any of those issues. As far as oil consuption in my motors, the spare quart of oil that I keep on board is covered in dust since it has never been touched. My motor do not seem to use a drop.

Also - you've got to love the dry joint exhaust. No more rust weeping down the side or concerns about replacing the gasket between manifold and riser.

Also - closed cooling, and the air pump that blows the sea water out of the system without having to pull those silly blue plugs.

The only thing I can complain about is the placement of the seawater pump. This winter I will be replacing the impellers since two seasons is the most I will run on them. I have no idea how I'm going to get at the pumps. They are in a bad spot.

As far as speed - I see 77+ on gps in my boat with 27 labbed 3 blades.

I have 75+ hours on it so far, not a single complaint. Runs strong and is VERY easy to perform most routine service tasks. I haven't had to replace the impeller yet, but I only have a single so it shouldn't be much of a problem (I hope). My only regret is that I don't have a 540

Love mine now. Read this link for a history on my "out of the box" new engine problem last winter. It has since been resolved and my sentiments are with my other OSO 496 pals. They are strong performing and great to have in the boat!

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forum/sh...threadid=17040

Dave