Dead 496HO fixed.
 

Last Sunday I made a post about one of my 496HO’s shutting off for no apparent reason. It simply shut off while running 3000rpm with no warning. Attempts to re-start would crank but not fire.

Problem turned out to be a bad trim-limit switch. FYI for anyone who may run into the same type issue.

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

HUH?!! A bad trim-limit switch?! How the hell is that connected to the engine running?

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

I was looking forward to hearing what your solution was going to be.
Hard to believe such a simple little thing would cause the entire engine to go haywire. :rolleyes:

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

It has to do with the "Smart Craft" system. It's all tied together. "Smart" right???

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

I guess you gotta be pretty "smart" to figure out it was part of the "smart craft" system. ;)

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

Did you have codes in the engine that pionted you there or was it just luck that you found it.
Sounds like a very minor issue to fix but finding it could cost big $$$ and headaches.

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

I didn't fix it. Repair shop did. I plan on asking him if he found it by using a scan tool or found it thru past experience.

It is kind of scary when you think of all the electronic parts in these new engines that can screw you. It's amazing the engines don't break every day.

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

Glad to hear it wasnt anything major.

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

Well, I wouldn't go that far. It was $515.00 but it's better than loosing a weekend. Each lost weekend is worth about $750.00 in ownership cost down the drain.

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

29 Outlaw:
Wow, I know the switch you are talking about,How much did they charge for the part?
The Smart Craft system is designed to keep motor or boater from injuring parts and keeping Merc out of warranty issues. I am not sure its so smart. I think there should be a code reader guage on the dash as part of the system, so boaters can know whats wrong and possibly an override button to get you home. What if you're at one end of the lake or river and you just need to ge back to the dock or trailer when its just a simple part like a trim limit switch and you know what trim your outdrive is in before you run anyway? What if lube oil is real low in the bottle and you can simply add some?That would be "Smart" and god knows they can afford at their prices to give some real "user friendly" features.
Just some "dumb" thinking- Ha!
Raylar

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

Or worse, your trying to outrun a storm and it quits for some stupid reason. Not so Smart. Sounds like my screwy Cadillac, wont run in the rain.

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

I dont' have the breakdown yet of that $515.00 but it's entirely possible this could have been an easy fix for me if I had a scan tool. I almost bought one a few months ago.

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

According to the guy who fixed it – scan tool first showed “engine will not start”. No $hit!!!

The scan tool then walked him through the entire electrical harness until it revealed the fault. Prior to “Smart Craft” that particular failure would not have left me high-and-dry. Who the f$#k needs “Smart Craft”?

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

http://216.230.203.183/marine/marine.htm

everyone needs one

Re: Dead 496HO fixed.
 

That's the product I was going to buy. This week's repair bill would have paid for that software.