Mercruiser 496 HO problem
#1
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 325
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From: Sweden
Hello!
Im about to buy a Chris Craft 260 Stinger with a Mercruiser 496 HO.
The engine runs fine when its cold, but when it gets warm the rpm changes up and down.
Its like one cylinder is not running right.
There is also coolant in the oil.
Can it be a leaking head gasket or crack in the cylinder head causing this problem?
Im about to buy a Chris Craft 260 Stinger with a Mercruiser 496 HO.
The engine runs fine when its cold, but when it gets warm the rpm changes up and down.
Its like one cylinder is not running right.
There is also coolant in the oil.
Can it be a leaking head gasket or crack in the cylinder head causing this problem?
#4
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9,594
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From: Ft. Worth TX
I would not trust the block nor the engine bearings with coolant in the motor oil. Expect to discount the boat a BARE min of 12.5 K usa dollars for an engine long block replacement Prob will need a new heat exchanger and many more related items - this could be up to 25 K of making the boat 100 % turn key / water ready. The used boat market - the odds are no matter what you find will need something. One has to keep a mind set when looking ---- ridden hard put away wet is basically for the used boat ,market. Also storm boats seem to be an issues as well.
#5
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Joined: Sep 2019
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From: Sweden
I would not trust the block nor the engine bearings with coolant in the motor oil. Expect to discount the boat a BARE min of 12.5 K usa dollars for an engine long block replacement Prob will need a new heat exchanger and many more related items - this could be up to 25 K of making the boat 100 % turn key / water ready. The used boat market - the odds are no matter what you find will need something. One has to keep a mind set when looking ---- ridden hard put away wet is basically for the used boat ,market. Also storm boats seem to be an issues as well.
The price are around 15k usd for the whole boat + engine/drive.
I read about the heat exhanger problems but non of that was a problem right now on this engine I think.
Just the antifreeze in the oil and the ruff idle when engine is warm...
#7
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: IL
I think a overhaul of the engine is in its place.
The price are around 15k usd for the whole boat + engine/drive.
I read about the heat exhanger problems but non of that was a problem right now on this engine I think.
Just the antifreeze in the oil and the ruff idle when engine is warm...
#8
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 325
Likes: 25
From: Sweden
I have many speculations about the problem, but I dont know if the two problems with the engine are related.
Can the engine rpm rev up and down because of antifreeze leaking in to one of the cylinder/pistons when it gets warm due to broken head gasket and making the sparkplug and fuel misfire??
If thats the problem, it can be a easy fix.
But if the problems are not related I dont know what exactly making the engine going bad when its warm.. Any speculations?
#10
I'd plan/budget accordingly for a full engine replacement. I see that you are in Europe which makes things of that sort a bit more difficult. But you should be able to buy and ship a 496HO fairly easily.



