Mercury – Water Pump Repair Kit | Cooling System | Composite & Marine-Grade Components | 96148A8

Overview

If you’ve spent enough time on the water, you know your engine’s cooling system isn’t something you take for granted. When that steady stream from the tell-tale weakens or the temperature needle climbs a little higher than it should, your stomach drops. That’s when a complete, dependable water pump overhaul becomes more than routine maintenance—it becomes peace of mind. The Quicksilver 96148A8 Water Pump Repair Kit steps in with everything you need to restore strong, reliable cooling flow across a wide range of Mercury, Mariner, and MerCruiser engines. It’s a kit built for boaters who want to keep their engines running cool, smooth, and predictable—trip after trip.

Key Features

• Full repair kit for impeller system and pump housing
• Includes impeller, upper and lower housings, gaskets, face plate, face seal, seal carrier, drive key, and water tube coupling
• Constructed using marine-grade composite materials and elastomers
• Designed for short-vane impeller systems
• Meets all Mercury OEM cooling system specifications

Engine & Boat Compatibility

The Quicksilver 96148A8 is designed for:

• Mercury and Mariner outboards from 65hp (4-cyl) through V6 models
• MerCruiser I, R, MR, and Alpha sterndrives
  • Compatible with serial No. 2491586 through 0D469858
• Ideal for runabouts, fishing boats, pontoons, family cruisers, and tow-sports setups

Always verify with your owner's manual if you’re uncertain about your specific engine model.

Performance & Practical Benefits

A water pump repair is one of the most rewarding maintenance jobs on your boat. Once you install this kit, you’ll feel the difference immediately:

• Strong, steady cooling flow thanks to a fresh impeller and smooth mating surfaces
• Tight, secure sealing that helps reduce heat spikes, cavitation, and low-pressure symptoms
• Smooth idle and consistent temperature holding, even after long no-wake zones
• Confidence on plane, knowing your engine is pulling in all the cooling water it needs
• Long-term durability, supported by composite housings shaped precisely to Mercury’s factory tolerances

This kit is especially valuable because it replaces not only the impeller, but also the critical components around it—ensuring you rebuild the system the right way, not halfway.

Why Buy OEM

When it comes to cooling, shortcuts cost money. Here’s why seasoned boaters stick with OEM Quicksilver:

• Every component is engineered for perfect alignment and water flow
• Marine-grade materials provide better wear resistance than most aftermarket options
• Matching Mercury’s exact specs helps the pump prime faster and run cooler
• Rebuilding with OEM parts extends the lifespan of the entire cooling system
• You’ll spend less time troubleshooting and more time boating

It’s the kind of smart, preventative maintenance that keeps your weekends stress-free.

FAQ Section

Q1: Which engines does the 96148A8 Water Pump Repair Kit fit?

It fits select Mercury and Mariner outboards with short-vane impellers, as well as MerCruiser I, R, MR, and Alpha drives.

Q2: What sets this kit apart from aftermarket versions?

OEM materials, exact tolerances, and the completeness of the kit—everything is designed to work together flawlessly.

Q3: How do I confirm this is the right kit for my engine?

Check your engine’s serial number and compare it with the compatibility notes in your owner's manual.

Q4: Can it be used in both saltwater and freshwater?

Absolutely. All components are built for demanding marine use in either environment.

Q5: Is the installation approachable for most boaters?

Yes—if you’re comfortable removing your lower unit, this kit is straightforward with a service manual.