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496 Mercruiser water pump replacement

Kangg

Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2025
Messages
7
I need some guidance on swapping the water circulating pump on a 496 Mercruiser in a 290 Horizon. I've taken off the floor panel, but the fuel tank is still in the way, making it nearly impossible to reach the front of the engine. Would pulling the heat exchanger give better access, or is moving the fuel tank the only real option?
 
Pulling the heat exchanger will definitely give you more room, and it's often enough to get the job done on a 496.
That's a lot less hassle than trying to shift that fuel tank, which is more of a major work.
Just be prepared for some coolant mess when you disconnect it so make sure you have a good pan underneath!
 
Pulling the heat exchanger will definitely give you more room, and it's often enough to get the job done on a 496.
That's a lot less hassle than trying to shift that fuel tank, which is more of a major work.
Just be prepared for some coolant mess when you disconnect it so make sure you have a good pan underneath!
That's exactly what I was hoping to hear, moving the fuel tank looked like a major pain, so I'll go ahead and pull the heat exchanger, I'll prep for the coolant mess too...
 
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