in your concern about the water leaking down, if you replumb the intake water hose going from the transm to the seapump so it sits higher then the seapump and the transm intake fitting, your water draining problem will be solved.. what i do is replace the whole legnth of the hose and put a loop in it this way it hold more water for the intinal seapump prime when you first start the engine..

All boats should have strainers in the raw side to prevent debris going into the raw pumps and damaging them. If the 496 pumps have scoring in the end plates, call Rand Industries in Lake Havasu Arizona and order the R&R kit for the Merc 496 pumps inand purchase their stainless steel end plate rebuild kits for about $150 per kit. This kit comes with a new impellor and will solve your problem as long as the main pump outer housing surface is not damaged. DON"T RUN YOUR 496'S WITHOUT RAW WATER STRAINERS! IF YOU BOAT AND BEACH IN SAND, MAKE THEM SAND STRAINERS!!

BIG DAMN QUESTION? WHY DO BOAT BUILDERS BUILD & SELL BOATS WITHOUT STRAINERS?????????

I just bought 2 water pumps for my Baja with 496HOs Merc part # is 46-862914T08 $314ea from Go2Marine.com This part number has the fitting hole into for the water pressure sensor. Merc part # 46-862914T10 is the same pump with out the fitting for a water sensor.
Here is a link to Rand and info on the rebuild kit.
http://www.randrproducts.net/product...waterpump.html

Good point Ray & I agree.. I have also seen a good amount of the 496 Heat exchangers get Chit in them & cause restrictions from lack of using a strainer.. Strainers are a very good idea & will help to cut down on unnecessary wear & issues Jamie / Lakeside

Anyone have the phone # for Rand Industries? The link is taking me to a domain provider, maybe their site is down. My pumps are scored at the ends, had guardian mode last week for low sea water pressure. I need 2 of those rebuild kits.

Sydwayz- Is the engine compartment tight on the AT? I had my pumps out in no time, very easy.

Still looking for the phone #, Thanks!

Try this....928-453-6411
I think that is it. Found it on a google search. Hope it helps
Eddie

Thanks Eddie!
I would rather rebuild with stainless end plates than buy new ones and have the same problem down the road. Looks like my SM super strainers need to come off the basement floor and get installed this winter.

They would probably be more effective in the boat instead of on the floor. I mean, I'm no expert....that's just a guess.

Let us know if that is the correct #. I may need them in the future.
Eddie

Thats the right number. I got a hold of them today. They are out of stock on the ss end plates. They were to call me today and tell me when they will be in. Hopefully I will hear tomorrow.