While chatting to Barry a competitor in the 1600 mile Round Britain 08 power boat race that starts on the 21st June

http://www.roundbritainrace.co.uk/

he said due to a number of setbacks his 34' British built Hunton will only hit the water for testing a few days before the big event and he was hoping his choice of 496 ho 425hp units being lowish hp for engine size would prove reliable and up to the task of going around the Uk without breakdowns straight out of the pack so too speak, he wondered what are the Achilles heel of these engines that's if their is one and are there any particular faults to watch out for on these engines that could stop his challenge, a British marine Mag gave the odds of 50:1 for him they obviously don't rate these engines...what does OSO recon about these engines

http://www.markwildey.co.uk/gallery2...?g2_itemId=980

Although things have got of to a bad start with a low pressure light on one engine when first fired run up

http://www.easishop.com/bandit/

There was a pushrod issue early on but it is sorted, if he is caining it the entire run they won't hold up but if it is a cruise he has a chance IMHO.

I have covered over 2,000 miles in the last two years with my 496's and have not done anything but change the oil in them. Water pressure sensors seem to fail and had to replace one a little over two years ago but that has been it. They have been extremely reliable. 3-4 Poker Runs a year and trips to the Keys and Bahamas add up quick!

Bring an extra IAC. There have been some issues with them. The only problems I had with mine in over 250 hours was the water pressure sensor and the IAC. Good Luck!

How long is this venture supposed to take?

Almost 200 hours on my 496HO, no problems. I run it like I stole it too!

IAC is a good idea. Changed one on mine. Also extra water pump impellers.

If the team involved with this challange is interested have them call me at (858) 277-4688 our international phone # M-F 8am to 5pm Pacific time and I will share my 496 knowledge with them. I do feel this engine is up to the test if properly prepared. Good Luck! and safe passage and calm seas, this is a brutal test of any boat, engine and crew!

Best Regards,
Ray @ Raylar

I second the water pressure spare sensor, keep 2 of them, they randomly fail. I've done a lot these computers, both SC'd and NA, and that darn sea pump sensor has gotten me more monday calls than any other problem.

Dustin

Thank you OSO for your input I am sure it has been very helpfull to team Bandit to know that most believe the engines to be pretty reliable, the boat is now on the first leg of the Round Britain Power boat race 1st stage 150 miles the race commenced at 5AM Florida time, so by the time most read this it hopefully will have finished the first leg against 50ish other entries using many different powerplants from around Europe should be interesting to see how the petrol engines stack up against the diesel engines over the next 10 days of racing

Will start a separate thread about the powerboat race for those interested in following the boats over the next 10 days