My 496Ho has about 184 Hrs on the meter, however im sure its actually less on the computer cause that hr meter runs even if the just the key is on.. I think its actually just under 180.

Anyways ran boat saturday and ran great for about 10-15 minutes and then it starting popping and running like crap.. Put a set of spark plugs in it and again it ran great for about 10 minutes and then right back to running like crap.. Did a compression test sunday and i have 160-165 on 7 cylinders and the other is only maybe 100.. Looks like a may have a valve toast or worst yet some piston/ring damage Very hard to think with such low hrs the motor would have to come out already, but hope to have it out early this week and broke down to see how much $$$$$$$ will have to be spent..

Sucks to hear that. But look at the upside..... now you can justify that heads, cam, and manifold package!!! I always upgrade a motor if it has to come out (cars in my case).

Hope your merc warranty is still active?or give merc a call they
might help,i've had a few covered under"customer relations"

I found out the last boat I owned, Donzi 26ZX had 380 Hours on A 496 H.O. , it ran great and is still running, and it was the original motor!!

355.6 to be exact and it looks like Im sweating every trip as to when the $$$$$$ bites my az......No smoke and strong for now...Maybe it's a lot like cars the more you run them the longer there longevity.

Hey Frank, how is she running, post some pics, I havent seen her in awhile, I would love to see it. I glad it is still going strong, anything happen with the surveyer????