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-   -   02' 496 Keeps Eating Low Pressure Fuel Pumps (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/369195-02-496-keeps-eating-low-pressure-fuel-pumps.html)

Nothing personel 353 11-03-2020 08:33 AM

End of season 80 pounds fuel pressure 40 pounds normal ??The marina going to correct it but I blame bad gas?? Replacing fuel bar and both pumps we will see next season??I also heard about a recall on some powder coated fuel parts on some 496?? Good luck!

Sydwayz 11-03-2020 08:35 AM

I had an "episode" where I filled up with fuel that was supposed to be ethanol free, and it wasn't. The boat sat for a few months over the winter in Florida; and the fuel absorbed 98% of the 98% ambient humidity.
It ruined both both pre-fuel filters, (they rusted loose internally), both fuel/water separators (rust fell out of them), and both stock fuel pumps.

1) It is not advisable to mix ethanol and non-ethanol fuel.
2) Are you treating your fuel after you fill up? It would be my recommendation to use Star-Tron fuel treatment ALWAYS, no matter what fuel you use.

boatinboy_15 11-03-2020 08:35 AM

Thanks, it does not have that filter

AllDodge 11-03-2020 08:37 AM

Paint was not on the Gen 2 modules, only the Gen 3

You should have 43 psi fuel pressure. If your seeing 80 then most likely its the regulator

boatinboy_15 11-03-2020 08:43 AM


Originally Posted by Knot 4 Me (Post 4764301)
Does it still have the metal automotive style fuel filter between the tank and low pressure pump? If so remove that filter entirely and see if that cures the problem.

I did check that, and It does not have that filter.

boatinboy_15 11-03-2020 08:44 AM


Originally Posted by SB (Post 4764306)
By chance, is there a screen on the inlet of this Low psi pump ? If so, are they checking for clogged screen ? Maybe they don’t know about screen if there is one ?

Many people don’t know many things.

Thank you, I will definitely look at this. Is this an inline screen before the low pressure pump?

boatinboy_15 11-03-2020 08:47 AM


Originally Posted by Sydwayz (Post 4764364)
I had an "episode" where I filled up with fuel that was supposed to be ethanol free, and it wasn't. The boat sat for a few months over the winter in Florida; and the fuel absorbed 98% of the 98% ambient humidity.
It ruined both both pre-fuel filters, (they rusted loose internally), both fuel/water separators (rust fell out of them), and both stock fuel pumps.

1) It is not advisable to mix ethanol and non-ethanol fuel.
2) Are you treating your fuel after you fill up? It would be my recommendation to use Star-Tron fuel treatment ALWAYS, no matter what fuel you use.

That's not good! I have been running ethanol blend. I appreciate the advice, will be switching to ethanol free, would like to find the root of the issue

SB 11-03-2020 09:30 AM


Originally Posted by boatinboy_15 (Post 4764369)
Thank you, I will definitely look at this. Is this an inline screen before the low pressure pump?

Right inside the inlet of the pump itself.


flat rate 11-03-2020 12:11 PM

You should add the filter before the pump that’s what it’s for to protect that pump.

Knot 4 Me 11-03-2020 02:01 PM


Originally Posted by flat rate (Post 4764398)
You should add the filter before the pump that’s what it’s for to protect that pump.

I bought a new '04 boat with a 496 MAG (engine built 9/03) that ate up a booster pump within the first few hours. Had a buddy that was a Merc Tech that did the warranty repair local as I bought the boat out of state. At the time, first thing Merc told him to check was for the presence of that filter and if the manufacture installed it, get rid of it. Not replace it but eliminate it. Told him its main purpose was to catch any big garbage that might have made its way into the tank during the build and wasn't intended to be there long term. Seemed odd to me but we did get rid of it and never had another problem with the low pressure pump in 14 seasons and almost 500 hours.


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