Mercury – Water Pump Repair Kit | Cooling System | Marine-Grade Components | 96148Q8

Overview

Any boater who’s spent time pushing across choppy bays or idling down quiet creeks knows that an engine’s cooling system isn’t just another piece of hardware—it’s the heartbeat of the whole ride. When your water pump begins to fade, you feel that worry creeping in: the temp climbing, the stream weakening, the engine sounding just a bit “off.” The Quicksilver 96148Q8 Water Pump Repair Kit brings back that steady confidence. It’s a complete, ready-to-install OEM kit built to restore strong, reliable cooling flow across a wide range of Mercury and Mariner outboards, as well as MerCruiser sterndrives. If you want your engine running cool, smooth, and trustworthy, this is the kind of maintenance upgrade that keeps weekends on the water stress-free.

Key Features

• Complete water pump repair kit for outboards and sterndrives
• Includes pump housing assembly, gaskets, O-ring, plates, impeller, key, face plates, water tube guide sleeve, and gear lube fill/vent screw O-rings
• Designed using durable, marine-grade materials for long service life
• Provides stronger, higher-volume cooling flow to protect your engine
• Manufactured to Mercury Marina OEM specifications

Engine & Boat Compatibility

This water pump repair kit fits:

• Mercury and Mariner outboards from 65hp (4-cyl) through V6 models
• MerCruiser I, R, MR, and Alpha One sterndrives
  • Compatible with serial numbers 2495186 through 0D469858
• Ideal for fishing boats, runabouts, pontoons, tow-sports boats, and general recreational vessels

Always cross-check your engine model and serial number with your service manual for exact fitment.

Performance & Practical Benefits

The 96148Q8 kit isn’t just about replacing an impeller—it’s about rebuilding the cooling system the right way. Once installed, you’ll notice:

• Instantly stronger and more consistent water flow
• Smooth, steady operating temperatures, even under load
• Secure sealing and tight fitment thanks to premium gaskets and plates
• Reliable priming, which helps prevent overheating issues on start-up
• Improved overall engine performance, especially during long idle periods or high-speed runs

Everything in the kit works together to restore peak cooling efficiency, reducing wear on internal engine components and extending your engine’s lifespan.

Why Buy OEM

With cooling systems, precision matters. A tiny mismatch or low-quality component can lead to hot spots, cavitation, or premature pump failure. With Quicksilver OEM, you’re choosing:

• Exact factory tolerances for a perfect fit
• High-quality elastomers and molded components designed for marine use
• Long-term dependability in both freshwater and saltwater
• A kit that’s complete, reducing the frustration of missing pieces
• A smarter investment than aftermarket parts that may fit… but not perform

When you choose OEM, you’re investing in reliability—not just parts.

FAQ Section

Q1: Which engines does the 96148Q8 Water Pump Repair Kit fit?

It fits Mercury and Mariner 65hp–V6 outboards with short-vane impellers, plus MerCruiser I, R, MR, and Alpha One drives.

Q2: What makes this kit different from aftermarket versions?

OEM-grade materials, perfect fitment, and a complete set of components that work together seamlessly.

Q3: How do I confirm this is the correct kit for my setup?

Match your engine’s serial number with the compatibility range in your owner’s or service manual.

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

Absolutely—every component is engineered for durability in either environment.

Q5: Is installation straightforward for most boat owners?

If you’re comfortable removing your lower unit, this is a very approachable DIY job.