A couple months ago one of the members said his boat almost sank when a fitting on the bottom of the water rails corroded and filled his bilge. This is now a known recall and my boat is in the shop getting brand new water rails right now. Just an FYI for all you 496 owners.

Where are the water rails located,I have 02 25 outlaw with the 496 mag ho does it aplly to the motor too. THANKS

The water rails are under the exhaust manifolds. The issue involves dissimilar metals causing corrosion. Once corroded, sea water will stream into your bilge unchecked. Check with your dealer. If your dealer plays dumb, call Merc. This issue is now a safety recall.

Did the recall give a certain block of serial numbers? I have not gotten any recall notifications to date...

What you should do is check your exhaust manifolds to make sure you have the rails or not. I just got my boat out of storage and found out I do not have the rails, in the mercruiser service manual they list two differnt kind of exhaust manifolds for the 496.

Dave is correct - water rail=recall No water rail-no recall.

Are the water rails on both 496 and HO's or just one?

Both

Go to the link below for a picture:

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...W%2C+AND+RISER