No, they are not connected. Neither is Mercruiser with reality.

Many threads on high quality replacement wires for more normal prices. One thread is very recent.

It’s the .060” plug gaps that wear out ignition components faster than they should. I feel like a broken record. :)

When the exchanger gaskets warp, they won't let the seawater into the coolant side, that's not what they are sealing, it's just the end caps they seal. When the warping happens, they can restrict seawater flow through the cooler and it runs hot then.

If you are dying to replace your plug wires, here is a set some of us have used. I have them on mine now, made in USA Moroso wires for $70. 18-8838-1 84-881698,496-8.1 lr, distributor less ign, Ignition Parts mag star Wire Sets.Ignition Wire Set 120/140 discount high voltage ignition wire sets, s.s. coil core magstar v-6 wire sets, v-8 magstar ignition wires discounted, mercruiser h.e.i.

For spare parts, an IAC valve is common to carry. There's been lots of forum conversations about these as you can get genuine or aftermarket ones. Many caution using the aftermarket ones so I went with OEM for a spare myself.

Thanks

Thanks for the xchanger explanation, that helps a lot. I am most certainly not looking to replace the wires, and really have no reason to replace the plugs either so we’ll see.

Will read up on the IAC (Had to google that). Thanks again

Can anyone recommend a good experienced mechanic who will travel to my boat location and has worked on 496s in the southern Delaware/Ocean City MD area? I had all of my service done near Annapolis last year prior to moving the boat. I have a reputable mechanic that I trust, but he does not work on these engines much at all so it is always nice to have someone on retainer that is very knowledgeable with the engine. The boat is stored on a lift with no ability to trailer, so local marinas are not an option for that reason as well as a few other reasons.

Just searching forums. I need new wires for my 496 MAG's, I clicked the link, called and got a disconnected number? Is there another avenue for the Moroso wires? Thanks.

Their FB page has no posts since 2017

yeah I saw that and the website was last updated in 2017. I had to double check this thread date and the site/wires are still recommended but I can’t find the wires on a search. So anyone that had a link to the wires or alternative I’d appreciate it. Thanks.

edited. I did some more searching, the Volvo Penta 3861295 is the same wire as the Merc wire for ~$75 a set from all the posts comparing the two. Everyone said they were identical when changing them. FYI for anyone looking, I think I’ll give them a shot.

Still keeping my eyes out for a good mechanic in southern Delaware/OCMD area. # knockonwood