Please help me guys!! Im rebuilding a 502 due to a wiped flat tappet cam. I know i have to replace the oil/power steering cooler and im pulling my hair out trying to figure out what to replace it with. Merc says the OEM replacement is a 817577t. This cooler is crazy expensive. I have a 23 foot boat and I will be under 600 hp. Do I really need a cooler this big? I have been told that you can't clean the metal out of the cooler. Someone please help!!!!!!!!!

I am pretty sure this is the one I used on my 502 with the power steering. Worked great. Longer than stock, but I was able to use the same mounting brackets.

http://www.cpperformance.com/p-13321...ot-length.aspx

Same one, but $100 cheaper.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...rts-bravo.html

the factory merc stuff has different ends on them...if you have to change everything I think to up grade...doing that now...have all the stock stuff if needed, but mine is a gen VI, note sure if there is a diff..don't think so...

Are you saying your replacing ur stock setup? If so what did you have for stock?

I have a stock cooler from 502MPI if you're interested.....

Send me a pic [email protected]

I just reread your original post. You said "under 600 hp"
Yes you are going to need a bigger cooler.

Look at the two links I posted above. The only difference is they need a 3/4 to 1/2 bushing to run your original lines. They have 1 1/4 water inlets. I had to cut my hoses shorter because the cooler was longer, other than that they bolt right up.

The used one even had the oil line and fittings.

The cooler my motor had on was a 3in x 20in. Do I need something that big?

i looked at the one that you posted the links to. those arent oil/power steering coolers. those are oil only. even though that is a good deal with the lines.

I just look at my instrument cluster and I don't have a oil temp gage. Do I need to install one?