cbruck
Member
- Jul 5, 2016
- 40
- Boat Info
- 2010 SR Sundancer 390 I/O's with 496 MAGs and Axius Drive
- Engines
- 496 MAG's
I've got a sundancer with mercruiser 496's, 2009 model year. Which by the way, I heard was the last year they were made. Something in the lower unit let go this weekend with 550 hrs on one engine. I'm trying to figure out the easiest and best way to get it repaired. Mercury only sells long blocks at $12-13k. I have one bid at $20k to replace the engine with a new long block engine. I believe a short block is all I need as everything around the engine, ie the manifolds, water pumps, starter, alternator etc are all new in last year or two. But it seems like I can also get a rebuilt long block from various vendors in the $5-6k range which includes the cylinder head. In a short block rebuild I would need to send the heads off to get rebuilt. Some vendors have new engines at $5-7k but not in the 496, probably because they can't get new blocks anymore. As I have not done this before, it seems like the hardest part is getting the boat out of the water and have someone come and lift the engine deck off and get the engines out. Swapping the parts on a long block seems relatively easy by swapping manifolds and accessories.
I am looking for any input along these lines. Especially where to buy the short/long blocks. Also concerned about fit, I don't want any modifications, ie plug and play.
Just on a related note. Should I rebuild both engines? If I resell with one engine that has 550 hrs more than the other, set red flags? Or just rebuild and leave it go from the 550 hrs.
I am looking for any input along these lines. Especially where to buy the short/long blocks. Also concerned about fit, I don't want any modifications, ie plug and play.
Just on a related note. Should I rebuild both engines? If I resell with one engine that has 550 hrs more than the other, set red flags? Or just rebuild and leave it go from the 550 hrs.