496 Durability?
 

I find myself constantly running WOT, it's just entirely too much fun! :D

Just how much abuse can this thing really take? My boat weights 4,400lb and has a regular Bravo I drive. I have less than 50 hours on it. DO all the regular maintenance plus change the oil every 30 hours with the regular Mercruiser oil for warranty purposes.

It's run mostly on fresh water only with occasional use in brackish waters (once a year for a 4-5 days).

Just wondering how many hours this thing will last?

If you would post your hours and how hard your run it would be most appreciated.

Re: 496 Durability?
 

got 100 + hrs in a set if these and only issues were a couple of sensors. love theses engines

Re: 496 Durability?
 

100+ hard hours. 40+ with prochargers added. So far, so good.

Re: 496 Durability?
 

Island Hopper,

Can you give me some info on your procharger installation? I am seriously considering them for my boat and I have triple 496's.
1. Type of boat.
2. Performance improvements
3. Who installed and how hard
4. Costs
5. Would you do it again?

Thanks,
Keith

Re: 496 Durability?
 

Well I'm up to 225 and she is running like a top. From every thing I have heard if you take care of it like you should these things will last 1000 hrs or more.
P.S. I like to run mine too. :D

Re: 496 Durability?
 

Just as info, you do not have to run Mercruiser oil for warranty to be upheld. They may tell you that you do, but when push comes to shove (court) you do not have to.

Re: 496 Durability?
 

Kr,
It's a 2002 Formula 353. Used the 5lb kit, and installed by Dixie Marine in Prospect Ky. Originally low to mid 70's. After the initial installation, using the original Bravo 1.50 drives, and 34 pitch props we were getting mid to high 80's. Just put 1.36 XR's with, Imco lowers, and 30 pitch props, now hitting 90. The kit was not bad to install, had to cut, and modify a stringer on the port side. We only had to remove the port engine to do the installation, and stringer work. Pretty happy with it I would do it again. Not sure what the going prices are now, I suspect 6-8k per eng. Call Doug at Dixie Marine at 502-292-3067. He is a dealer and can give you a price

Re: 496 Durability?
 

If you do have a warranty issue, you may have problems when they see the engine operating history (revealing many hours at the rev limit).

Dave

Re: 496 Durability?
 

330 hours, change oil every 50 with straight 40 wt. Hammer it when ever I want. I'm going for that 1000, shouldn't take too long, it's an '02. Have fun. JC

Re: 496 Durability?
 

just did a run where i ran for more than 25 minutes wide open stopped for 10 then another 20 min, run wot followed by another 25 min run at wot ,no problems 187 hours.