I recently acquired a new boat and need to put my 496 Mag Ho in it. And never played with FI motors. I also have not even seen top of the engine under plastics. Will I need a special bracket or ?? It Is fully dressed with exhaust That’s how it was pulled and crated. Thanks for answering my dumb question. Just prefer the easy way

Looks same under plastic, no surprises.

Mike,
I know guys do it all the time but I have never been at all comfortable with lifting an engine with a plate bolted to the intake, especially aluminum. I have always use chains bolted to the ends of the heads. I really do not do much of that type of work other than my own vehicles but that is my feelings.

Merc 496's have lifting eye brackets bolted to the heads. I use a short choker chain to run thru them. Works perfect.

Just a suggestion however if you use the chain method bolt up a 3" bolt/nut on each side of your lift hook to keep from possibly slipping. Helps also if you lift little off center to the rear it will come up more parallel due to the extra weight. Flywheel, bell housing, starter etc.

If the exhaust mans are installed, use two 6 ft lifting straps laid under the mans. Eddie Young should me this method, works great

The lifting strap is easy to overcome with several solutions you can use the 2 eyelets on the manifold mine had both on the manifold and exhaust. I would be more concerned if the boat has the same10 pin connector?

I just used a piece of chain. Fully dressed except exhaust. I don't recall where I fastened the chain but you can figure that out. It is one ugly motor under that plastic cover!

many times because of access - - we use these as well but most stock OEM marine engines have the Lifting eye brackets on them.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/o...QaAlhiEALw_wcB