Replacement Service Parts; Do-It-Yourself Maintenance Suggestions - Mercury 496 MAG Bravo Owner's Manual

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Replacement Service Parts

Electrical, ignition and fuel system components on Mercury MerCruiser gasoline power packages are
designed and manufactured to comply with U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations to minimize risks
of fire or explosion.
Use of replacement electrical, ignition or fuel system components, which do not comply to these rules
and regulations, could result in a fire or explosion hazard and should be avoided.
When servicing the electrical, ignition and fuel systems, it is extremely important that all components
are properly installed and tightened. If not, any electrical or ignition component would permit sparks
to ignite fuel vapors from fuel system leaks, if they existed.
Marine engines are expected to operate at or near full-throttle for most of their life. They are also expected to
operate in both fresh and saltwater environments. These conditions require numerous special parts. Care should
be exercised when replacing marine engine parts as specifications are quite different from those of the standard
automotive engine.
For example, one of the most important, and probably the least suspected special replacement part, is the
cylinder head gasket. Since saltwater is highly corrosive, the steel-type automotive head gasket cannot be used.
A marine engine head gasket uses special materials to resist corrosive action.
Since marine engines must be capable of running at or near maximum rpm much of the time, special valve
springs, valve lifters, pistons, bearings, camshafts and other heavy-duty moving parts are required for long life
and peak performance.
These are but a few of the many special modifications that are required in Mercury MerCruiser marine engines
to provide long life and dependable performance.
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Do-It-Yourself Maintenance Suggestions

If you are one of those persons who likes to do-it-yourself, here are some suggestions for you.
•
Present-day marine equipment, such as your Mercury MerCruiser power package, are highly technical
pieces of machinery. Electronic ignition and special fuel delivery systems provide greater fuel economies, but
also are more complex for the untrained mechanic.
•
Do not attempt any repairs which are not covered in this manual unless you are aware of the precautions
(Cautions and Warnings) and procedures required. Your safety is of our concern.
•
If you attempt to service the product yourself, we suggest you order the service manual for that model. The
service manual outlines the correct procedures to follow. It is written for the trained mechanic, so there may
be procedures you don't understand. Do not attempt repairs if you do not understand the procedures.
•
There are special tools and equipment that are required to perform some repairs. Do not attempt these repairs
unless you have these special tools and/or equipment. You can cause damage to the product in excess of
the cost a dealer would charge you.
WARNING
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