I was running around 4000 RPM out of a pass when I lost steering. Figured I threw a belt. Opened it up and the seawater pump pulley and shaft had shot out from the pump on my starboard motor. Merc 2 year covered a whole new pump + install (and covered a seized alternator, another one that was putting out half the volts and a breaker). Motors (496s) have 325 hours on them.

Anyone else had this happen?

My seapump was moving axially enough that the belt jumped off (496ho). The bearings get worn out. I think mine happened around 350 hours.

Thanks. I forgot to get back to this. Very strange.

I got it replaced and now within 20 hours of that I noticed a leak on the port side pump around the shaft. Obviously not going to win with these pumps - I never had these kind of seawater pump problems on the previous 496 boat.

Just happened to me on my 6.2. Seems to me that the front seal that is pressed into place is the only retainer for the whole setup. I know the direction of the force applied helps but it is a weak link to me. Was thinking about drilling two set screws in to stop it from happening again.

Thats what I thought. It seems to be the weak link in the pump.