Mercury – Water Pump Upper Repair Kit | Cooling System | Marine-Grade Components | 96148T8

Overview

There’s a certain peace you feel when your outboard is running cool and steady, especially after a long run across open water. No alarms, no surprises—just that familiar hum that tells you everything below the deck is doing its job. The Mercury 96148T8 Water Pump Upper Repair Kit helps restore that confidence. Whether you’re reviving an older 65hp workhorse or maintaining a V6 built for speed, this kit gives your cooling system the fresh start it needs. It’s the kind of maintenance that keeps weekends on the water relaxed, not stressful.

Key Features

• Complete upper water pump repair kit for outboards and sterndrives
• Fits Mercury and Mariner 4-cylinder 65hp through V6 engines with short-vane impellers
• Also compatible with MerCruiser I, R, MR, and Alpha drives (serial No. 2495186–0D469858)
• Includes pump housing assembly, impeller, face plate, gaskets, drive key/pin, water tube guide sleeve, O-rings, and gear lube fill/vent screw seals
• Designed to meet or exceed OEM performance standards
• One of the most complete upper-section cooling repair kits available

Engine & Boat Compatibility

This Mercury upper repair kit is compatible with:

• 65hp–V6 Mercury and Mariner outboards using short-vane impeller systems
• MerCruiser sterndrives in the I/R/MR/Alpha family (serial range 2495186 through 0D469858)
• Ideal for aluminum fishing boats, family runabouts, center consoles, pontoons, and older classic hulls still running strong

For the best fit, verify compatibility using your serial number or owner’s manual.

Performance & Practical Benefits

Restoring a water pump isn’t just about replacing an impeller—it’s about bringing your cooling system back to full strength. Once installed, you’ll notice:

• Tight, secure water flow, maintaining proper engine temperature even during long idle times
• Smooth operation thanks to fresh gaskets and seals that eliminate small leaks
• Improved priming and faster water pickup, especially helpful after launching or trailering
• Reliable cooling performance at high RPM, preventing heat-related wear
• Better long-term engine health, protecting pistons, heads, and internal components

Everything included is engineered to work as a complete system, delivering the cooling flow your engine expects from a factory-grade repair.

Why Buy OEM

Choosing Mercury OEM parts means choosing parts that fit right the first time. With cooling systems, that precision matters.

• Made to exact factory tolerances
• Designed for marine environments, resisting heat, pressure, and corrosion
• More durable than many aftermarket substitutes
• Ensures proper water flow, protecting your investment
• Reduces the risk of repeat repairs caused by poor fitment

As any experienced boater will tell you, OEM cooling parts aren’t an upgrade—they’re peace of mind.

FAQ Section

Q1: Which engines does the 96148T8 kit fit?

It fits Mercury and Mariner 4-cylinder 65hp through V6 outboards and select MerCruiser sterndrives.

Q2: What makes this kit different from aftermarket options?

The materials, tolerances, and completeness of the kit reflect Mercury’s OEM engineering, ensuring a dependable repair.

Q3: How do I confirm this is my correct replacement?

Check your engine or drive’s serial number and match it with the fitment specs in your service manual.

Q4: Can this kit be used in both saltwater and freshwater?

Yes—every component is made from marine-grade materials designed for harsh conditions.

Q5: Is installation straightforward?

Most boat owners with experience removing a lower unit will find it manageable, especially with a service manual on hand.