496mag seawater pump

[gator1953]

In the process of replacing my seawater pump in my 04 stingray. For the life of me,why can't they engineer things a little different? To get to the 6 10mm bolts is (at least in my boat) cruel and unusual punishment! The two studs that hold the idler wheels for the serpentine belt are at least 11/2 inces too long which prevents sliding the assembly forward because of the fuel tank proximity. I will be installing a new pump...my thoughts are to drill out the six threaded holes so I can feed bolts from behind and tighten nuts from the front...will be a much easier install....does anyone see a problem doing this?

 

[Don S]

Re: 496mag seawater pump

Mercruiser worked hard to make those pumps impossible to get to. I had a couple of boats that the engine had to be pulled to get to the pump to change the impeller. The boat manufacturers don't help much either.
As to your fix, try it on your old pump and see how it works before drilling your new pump.

 

[gator1953]

Re: 496mag seawater pump

I agree that it shouldn't be so hard! After removing the rear seat and bulkhead,batteries,I was able to have access. However the six small bolts are very difficult especially two of them. If the threads were on the rear half instead of the front half then all the bolt heads would easy to get to.Having the really long studs holding the idler wheel bracket is horrible also. I have decided to remove the two studs and use bolts instead to hold the idler bracket. This will allow some well needed clearance. FYI;Last night I was able to flush and remove a handful of seaweed and found the missing piece of the impeller. The first place debris goes from the pump is to the oil cooler...that is where one will find most of it.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: 496mag seawater pump

In the process of replacing my seawater pump in my 04 stingray. For the life of me,why can't they engineer things a little different? To get to the 6 10mm bolts is (at least in my boat) cruel and unusual punishment! The two studs that hold the idler wheels for the serpentine belt are at least 11/2 inces too long which prevents sliding the assembly forward because of the fuel tank proximity. I will be installing a new pump...my thoughts are to drill out the six threaded holes so I can feed bolts from behind and tighten nuts from the front...will be a much easier install....does anyone see a problem doing this?

I feel your pain. The first time I took my sea water pump out and apart, it took about 4 hours. With some practice, it is not too bad. I would not change the bolts on the pump though. It may be best to leave it as is and just let your experience improve matters.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 496mag seawater pump

In the process of replacing my seawater pump in my 04 stingray. For the life of me,why can't they engineer things a little different? To get to the 6 10mm bolts is (at least in my boat) cruel and unusual punishment! The two studs that hold the idler wheels for the serpentine belt are at least 11/2 inces too long which prevents sliding the assembly forward because of the fuel tank proximity. I will be installing a new pump...my thoughts are to drill out the six threaded holes so I can feed bolts from behind and tighten nuts from the front...will be a much easier install....does anyone see a problem doing this?

One wonders if those moron Mercury "Engineers" ever do anything with the idea that someone will have to R&R parts in the future!!

If what you want to do works.....do it. I have considered pulling my raw water pump bracket and tig-welding weld-nuts on the front so I wouldn't have to put a wrench in there to back them up!

 

[gator1953]

Re: 496mag seawater pump

Yes ...all the part engineers should have to do a real world test. Something that needs regular servicing such as an impeller should be easier!! Have the threads in the rear part of pump and it would be a breeze to take out the bolts. Don't use 2" studs when 3/4" will do is a novel idea also.What they need is a install/uninstall engineer to make changes pre production and make life easier for all.