I think mine is letting go. Engine heats up on the hose, and the antifreeze is darker than the other engine that is running fine.

What's the difference between a Mercury 496HO circulation pump for $425 dollars...

...and a 496 Chevrolet Truck circulation pump for $186 dollars?

They both only see Dexcool; as it's closed cooling on the boat.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

$239 Steve

The Merc branded circ pump is not just more money. In this particular case, the Merc pump has a completely different sized impeller and it's made of brass.

The Merc pump moves more volume. I would not recommend using the chevy pump for 239 cheaper.

Effectively it's a bigger pump with the exact same housing and bolt pattern. I went down the same road as you. I took them apart and inspected.

I decided to go with the Merc one. I won't swear that you can't get away with using the cheaper one but closed cooled engines typically run hotter than open cooled. I did not wanna chance having that cheaper pump that might just "barely" keep up...

Take your old one apart and compare if possible. You'll see the difference.

Thanks guys. I don't mind paying Mercury money for the right part. My question was more out of convenience. I can find a truck part in about 30 minutes if I need one. I would have to dig/order a Mercury part and have it shipped in.

I thought I had one going south on my boat, but I took it out for a shakedown cruise today, and all is well.