Service for a 496 HO

[Aaron]

Good afternoon guys and gals. So I looked but could not find any threads on service in regards to prices, best places to go, etc.
I was going to bring my boat back to Eliminator to have the service done but they are not doing service anymore as they are super busy building new boats so I need a reputable servicer in the Bullhead area. Can you please chime in on what you have paid for service as well. I am looking for full service, fluids, impellor , etc.
Thanks in advance

 

[RiverDave]

Elim isn't doing service anymore?

 

[McRib]

If you're willing to drag it to cali. Drag it to havasu to outdrive1. Had him do mine a few weeks ago.

 

[Aaron]

Maybe I pissed someone off over there but I have called multiple times and each time they told me no time for service.
I was only going to drag it back here to have some stereo work done on it as well. At this point I would like to just get it done in Bullhead or havasu if there is not a reputable place available in Bullhead.

 

[HavasuHank]

Take it to Paul (Outdrive1). [emoji106]

 

[throttle]

Drag it to havasu. There are a handful of good peeps for your service needs. I use Absolute and Barrett.

 

[McRib]

OD1 can handle your stereo work also.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Call Mac, he used to run the Eliminator Shop in Havasu. Nicest guy in the world! 928.727.3541 or 928.764.3062. Tell him the guy that got him Indio sent you! Mac will point you in the right direction.

 

[Aaron]

Anybody have an idea on what service runs? ballpark?

 

[Keymyster]

Call Mark at Savage Marine. Does really good service.

 

[CornWater]

Anybody have an idea on what service runs? ballpark?

$600

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Anybody have an idea on what service runs? ballpark?

$400-500 for standard service. It's pretty simple to do, parts and oils would run about $150-$180 for higher end stuff. You can download manuals on the Internet if your handy with a wrench.

Many swear by Mobil 1 for engine oil on the 496 and Mercruiser for drive oil. Don't mess with anything else on the drive lube, but I went Amsoil on the engine oil and there are other good manufacturers. Lots of old threads and great mechanics that can do it for you. It's that busy time of year though so you may need to wait a bit for the good ones.

 

[HBCraig]

$600

About right. If you need the high dollar plugs, add another 100. I pay about 600. Plugs, impeller, align the drive, drive oil, engine oil, fuel filter and oil filter. They should also grease and lube the gimbal and bearings.

 

[McRib]

Anybody have an idea on what service runs? ballpark?

I'd say 450 on the low end to 650 on the high end. All guys use the same parts so it comes down to labor costs. Some shops are reasonable and some are very proud of their tools . PM paul outdrive1 and make an appointment. The only thing that would increase cost is if your sea water pump is worn and needs to be replaced. That's another 600 if the 100 dollar stainless plate doesn't work.

 

[McRib]

Imo for the 496 mag or ho use merc recommended oil for the motor. That motor is built for it and designed to run well off of it. Merc says do the plugs at 300 hrs. No need to do it sooner unless you've had other problems that would affect the plugs.

 

[McRib]

I've done my own myself in a couple of hours and I've paid as low as 450 and and high as 575 (at my builder)

 

[BHC Vic]

700 for a 502 mag [emoji4]

 

[purrfecttremor]

Absolute has a reasonable winter rate that may be about over. You might call and ask.:thumbup:

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Absolute has a reasonable winter rate that may be about over. You might call and ask.:thumbup:

Think that's over but call them anyway. Been doing my stuff for 11 years. Always top notch and always reasonable.

I don't think they have increased hourly rate in the whole time either.

Estimates above are about right but depending on what needs done it could be more such as plugs, new impeller housing, etc, etc.

 

[DogNamedChevy]

Absolute has a reasonable winter rate that may be about over. You might call and ask.:thumbup:

Had my boat serviced at Absolute last week and I can say for certain that the Winter Special is over :grumble:

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Had my boat serviced at Absolute last week and I can say for certain that the Winter Special is over :grumble:

Yeah it was February this year. I got an email. Sometimes it's posted on here. If they have your email you are notified and can make an appointment. I think it's 10% off.

 

[DogNamedChevy]

Yeah it was February this year. I got an email. Sometimes it's posted on here. If they have your email you are notified and can make an appointment. I think it's 10% off.

They used to call me, but not this year. Their prices are definitely on the high end based on the quotes in this thread.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

They used to call me, but not this year. Their prices are definitely on the high end based on the quotes in this thread.

It was an email this year.

450 is super cheap and I'd wonder what service was actually being done and what materials.

I know the price of oil went up and made prices higher. My services have run more with impeller stuff or plug changes but if no add ons I think it's within ( at the top) of the range posted here. But when you run in during the summer and the shop is full but you need something done to get back on the water then Aaron or Aeriel drop what they are doing and go fix you up. You ask them how much and they tell you don't worry about it. It all balances out with service like that. Of course add in the price of the beer that I always drop them off when they do me those favors.

There was a sign on that Got Water place I think it is on Industrial that said annual service for like 200 bucks. Can't even get the materials for that. Crazy.

 

[RiverDave]

They used to call me, but not this year. Their prices are definitely on the high end based on the quotes in this thread.

Their prices aren't high.. The prices in this thread are cheap.

I think some of you his are mistaking full services for fluids and an impeller. Different shops do more or less on the annuals.

That all said you can't just say 496HO costs this. There are some 496's that have different fuel cartridges that are $$. While others are much cheaper.

 

[Aaron]

thanks for all the input guys. Never fails, whenever I need a questions answered Riverdavesplace.com and all it's members are there to help. looking forward to meeting some of you guys at DS.

 

[DogNamedChevy]

It was an email this year.

450 is super cheap and I'd wonder what service was actually being done and what materials.

I know the price of oil went up and made prices higher. My services have run more with impeller stuff or plug changes but if no add ons I think it's within ( at the top) of the range posted here. But when you run in during the summer and the shop is full but you need something done to get back on the water then Aaron or Aeriel drop what they are doing and go fix you up. You ask them how much and they tell you don't worry about it. It all balances out with service like that. Of course add in the price of the beer that I always drop them off when they do me those favors.

There was a sign on that Got Water place I think it is on Industrial that said annual service for like 200 bucks. Can't even get the materials for that. Crazy.

Exactly! I had an issue this past summer and they had me in and out of the shop in a day and a half. That's why they'll continue to be my preferred shop.

 

[Deja_Vu]

Taking my boat to Chris at Prestige Marine this Saturday. I usually spend around $830 for a full service.
I know he charges a little more, but he is a certified Mercury guy and has always taken good care of my boat.

http://www.prestigehavasu.com/

1640 W Acoma Blvd # A-102
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404
Phone: (928) 680-3344

 

[Hallett285]

I finally called a few places today and they aren't the price you guys are saying. Except what Deja_Vu is saying.

I was quoted... $750.00, $800.00 to $850.00 depending on the type of fuel filter, and $1300.00:eek. That's for the

annual service on a 496Ho. Anybody need their yard mowed so I can earn some money for the boat service??

 

[PVHCA]

I finally called a few places today and they aren't the price you guys are saying. Except what Deja_Vu is saying.

I was quoted... $750.00, $800.00 to $850.00 depending on the type of fuel filter, and $1300.00:eek. That's for the

annual service on a 496Ho. Anybody need their yard mowed so I can earn some money for the boat service??

Out of their F'n mind. Hit them up in the winter, LOL

 

[robby dmax]

I finally called a few places today and they aren't the price you guys are saying. Except what Deja_Vu is saying.

I was quoted... $750.00, $800.00 to $850.00 depending on the type of fuel filter, and $1300.00:eek. That's for the

annual service on a 496Ho. Anybody need their yard mowed so I can earn some money for the boat service??

Just what are they doing for that kinda money??

 

[robby dmax]

Taking my boat to Chris at Prestige Marine this Saturday. I usually spend around $830 for a full service.
I know he charges a little more, but he is a certified Mercury guy and has always taken good care of my boat.

http://www.prestigehavasu.com/

1640 W Acoma Blvd # A-102
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404
Phone: (928) 680-3344

Just sometimes you don't always get what you pay for...
Some smoke and mirrors...

 

[Hallett285]

Just what are they doing for that kinda money??

I'm pretty sure this is what all of them are giving.......... for those prices.........

-Change engine oil, filter and fuel filter. Check and top off steering, trim and tab fluid.
-Change drive oil and flush reservoir. Charge and load test batteries, wash bilge, air and lube trailer.
-Remove and replace water pump impeller and flush cooling system.
-Remove and Replace out drive, service and inspect gimble bearing, bellows, U-joints, yoke shaft, engine alignment, and coupler. Change O-rings on drive.

 

[RiverDave]

I finally called a few places today and they aren't the price you guys are saying. Except what Deja_Vu is saying.

I was quoted... $750.00, $800.00 to $850.00 depending on the type of fuel filter, and $1300.00:eek. That's for the

annual service on a 496Ho. Anybody need their yard mowed so I can earn some money for the boat service??

I've never heard of an annual needing no repairs going over a grand.. But usually in my experience 650's are on the cheap.. 700-800's are on the norm. 800-850's is a higher end shop.

RD

 

[glamis0812]

Call Nordic, Mark in service is a good guy.

 

[McRib]

I finally called a few places today and they aren't the price you guys are saying. Except what Deja_Vu is saying.

I was quoted... $750.00, $800.00 to $850.00 depending on the type of fuel filter, and $1300.00:eek. That's for the

annual service on a 496Ho. Anybody need their yard mowed so I can earn some money for the boat service??

Holy shit!! That's insane!!

 

[JBS]

Out of their F'n mind. Hit them up in the winter, LOL

Phil did you not mean are they absolutely crazy

 

[prosthogod]

This stuff bugs me . Havasu guys way overcharge for what is done and needed. A modern marine engine is not much different than a car or truck engine/ transmission. . You don't need to change plugs and align your transmission every 5k miles. Unless you have had an event with your out drive there is no reason to re-align it. No need to change plugs or wires as stated except every 300 hrs.
You need to change engine oil and drive oil very routinely . Check drive plugs for metal and type of metal.
Change your filters. Check rotor and cap. Drain fuel water separator.
All this can be done with quality stuff for about $125. It takes a couple hours. It's a 2-3 beer project.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

This stuff bugs me . Havasu guys way overcharge for what is done and needed. A modern marine engine is not much different than a car or truck engine/ transmission. . You don't need to change plugs and align your transmission every 5k miles. Unless you have had an event with your out drive there is no reason to re-align it. No need to change plugs or wires as stated except every 300 hrs.
You need to change engine oil and drive oil very routinely . Check drive plugs for metal and type of metal.
Change your filters. Check rotor and cap. Drain fuel water separator.
All this can be done with quality stuff for about $125. It takes a couple hours. It's a 2-3 beer project.

I think just my oil is about that. The stupid 496 impeller housing needing resurfacing is adds to the labor time too. They are a car block but are much different. And you don't just drive them into a rack and pull a plug. I'm pretty sure they take out my back seat and some kid gets dangled from his feet just to get the oil out.
Maybe it could go every couple of years without a drive alignment but it's just another portion to the cost.

I'm packing family and friends and driving 4 hours in the middle of the night to go have a great weekend. For 10 years I had a house. Boating in Havasu is an expensive hobby. Last thing I want to cheap out on is my boat service. Yeah it stings a bit but I budget for it. I don't have to go get things done every three months like with my truck. And because I take care of it then it fires up every damn time and we've never had a bad trip.

Now when I move and my boat will be at home then maybe I'll do a 3 beer project and take care of things myself and know if I did it right but I'll still make sure it has all the needed service. Until then it's worth the money to have it all done and by someone I trust instead of trying to cheap out.

 

[purrfecttremor]

I finally called a few places today and they aren't the price you guys are saying. Except what Deja_Vu is saying.

I was quoted... $750.00, $800.00 to $850.00 depending on the type of fuel filter, and $1300.00:eek. That's for the

annual service on a 496Ho. Anybody need their yard mowed so I can earn some money for the boat service??

Thats ***** crazy who in their right mind pays $1300 dollars for standard annual service?

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Thats ***** crazy who in their right mind pays $1300 dollars for standard annual service?

That I agree with. Even when my impeller housing needed replaced as well as my spark plugs in the same service it didn't even break a grand.

 

[Kahunajuice]

This stuff bugs me . Havasu guys way overcharge for what is done and needed. A modern marine engine is not much different than a car or truck engine/ transmission. . You don't need to change plugs and align your transmission every 5k miles. Unless you have had an event with your out drive there is no reason to re-align it. No need to change plugs or wires as stated except every 300 hrs.
You need to change engine oil and drive oil very routinely . Check drive plugs for metal and type of metal.
Change your filters. Check rotor and cap. Drain fuel water separator.
All this can be done with quality stuff for about $125. It takes a couple hours. It's a 2-3 beer project.

Yeah what he said!

 

[Aaron]

Ya, its pretty much all over the board on prices. Since posting this thread I have received quotes as low as $450 and as high as $1000 and a bunch around $600-$750

 

[Hallett285]

Ya, its pretty much all over the board on prices. Since posting this thread I have received quotes as low as $450 and as high as $1000 and a bunch around $600-$750

Well Aaron have you made a decision on where you're going?

 

[HALLETT BOY]

Just don't take it to the cheapest guy and wonder later if all the work was actually done ....

 

[NicPaus]

Anyone have all the part numbers they can post? I just got a new to me 496HO and plan on doing all the service myself. Maybe take it in every 3 years to have outdrive removed and serviced like my old boat. I know it just had a full service with new water pump housing installed for $850 from dealer.

 

[PVHCA]

Phil did you not mean are they absolutely crazy

I have respected RD's request too not bring up that word again, but some of these quotes are absolutely re-donkulous. I had no idea these mechanics had PHD's or doctorate credentials.

 

[Deja_Vu]

Just sometimes you don't always get what you pay for...
Some smoke and mirrors...

He has done everything he has said he would do on my boat so I can't complain.
His place is always swamped with $200-300k boats, so he must be doing something right.

I'm pretty sure this is what all of them are giving.......... for those prices.........

-Change engine oil, filter and fuel filter. Check and top off steering, trim and tab fluid.
-Change drive oil and flush reservoir. Charge and load test batteries, wash bilge, air and lube trailer.
-Remove and replace water pump impeller and flush cooling system.
-Remove and Replace out drive, service and inspect gimble bearing, bellows, U-joints, yoke shaft, engine alignment, and coupler. Change O-rings on drive.

And replace the water/fuel seperator. Most boats have two fuel filters also.

 

[prosthogod]

I think just my oil is about that. The stupid 496 impeller housing needing resurfacing is adds to the labor time too. They are a car block but are much different. And you don't just drive them into a rack and pull a plug. I'm pretty sure they take out my back seat and some kid gets dangled from his feet just to get the oil out.
Maybe it could go every couple of years without a drive alignment but it's just another portion to the cost.

I'm packing family and friends and driving 4 hours in the middle of the night to go have a great weekend. For 10 years I had a house. Boating in Havasu is an expensive hobby. Last thing I want to cheap out on is my boat service. Yeah it stings a bit but I budget for it. I don't have to go get things done every three months like with my truck. And because I take care of it then it fires up every damn time and we've never had a bad trip.

Now when I move and my boat will be at home then maybe I'll do a 3 beer project and take care of things myself and know if I did it right but I'll still make sure it has all the needed service. Until then it's worth the money to have it all done and by someone I trust instead of trying to cheap out.

I hear you but I also have a house here. The key is to set your boat up for easy service. A long drain hose that goes out the hull drain hole to a bucket. I get there at night, drain the fluids overnight and fill in the am. I also have an oil pump with quick disconnect for drive oil. I like to change fluids every 20 hrs. Its cheap insurance. I couldn't afford to pay someone to change fluids on 2 engines .I pay them when I have issues, which is rare.

 

[Deja_Vu]

Anyone have all the part numbers they can post? I just got a new to me 496HO and plan on doing all the service myself. Maybe take it in every 3 years to have outdrive removed and serviced like my old boat. I know it just had a full service with new water pump housing installed for $850 from dealer.

One bad thing about doing this is the engine drive plate splines wont get lubed and over the years they do wear.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

I hear you but I also have a house here. The key is to set your boat up for easy service. A long drain hose that goes out the hull drain hole to a bucket. I get there at night, drain the fluids overnight and fill in the am. I also have an oil pump with quick disconnect for drive oil. I like to change fluids every 20 hrs. Its cheap insurance. I couldn't afford to pay someone to change fluids on 2 engines .I pay them when I have issues, which is rare.

Oh I hear you. Just sold my house but for me even though I had a place it's 4 hours away and I arrive at two in the morning and get up at 6 or 7 to go boating. If I had more time is maybe think about it. Like I said when I move (most likely to Texas) I might start doing stuff myself since it'll be at home and I can do it. My comments are more based on using the 200 dollar advertised place when oil and parts cost more than that.