Also, there is no thermostat in the Sea Water side of your cooling system. There is a thermostat in the AntiFreeze side of your cooling system. I have (knock on wood) never heard of a thermostat going bad in a 496HO.

What's their reasoning? If you do have them replace the thermostat, WATCH them do it, and take your 'bad' part home and place it in boiling water to verify that it is bad.

the back part of the seat comes out if you cant figure that out! you should pay your local merc mecanic to fix it

My understanding is that the work has been done. I haven't yet rec'd the bill. I did ask for an estimate before they did it but got none. I'm waiting for the bill before reacting.

Hi guys, have a baja 33 2003 with 496 ho's (250 hrs), does anyone changed a f__ sea pump without removing the engin or the back seat rigg. TIGHT (right side)... Took me a 6 pack to convince myself to make it, but still st-by on the job to do... Pulley ass'y came off by it self yesterday... bearing are stiff and rusted.
Almost ordered a pump ass'y..but waiting to see the whole thing first. Thx in advance for tips.

Not TopShape...for now...

Like CrayolaCrazy said, take the back part of the back seat out. The bearings can be replaced (whole shaft assy), but inspect your impeller housing because it can be worn if sand or debris has been pumped through it. Then decide on if a whole new pump is needed.

Thx for reply ! Just ordered the whole ass'y... $371 shipped. I will try with a snake camera and small monitor to do the surgery, we'll see how it goes, but not sure...

Unable to find R&R finally to get their kits

Here is a site for a rebuild kit. I havent tried one yet.

http://www.jcmarinellc.com/water_pump_kit.htm

Done deal job !! Simply remove back rest seat only...(2 bolts), Found after 1st one done that by removing the whole bracket of the seapump makes it much quicker to swap. 2 nd was made within 30 minutes. I'm set for a while with 2 bnew setup. I'll check this rebuilt site shortly.
Thx guys.