Bravo 1 outdrive Hot top cover

[13bryan]

I have a 1994 Searay 240 with a 7.4 liter mercruiser and a bravo 1. The top cover of the bravo runs hot to the touch, is this Normal? Also there is no end play with the prop. Should I have someone look at it or is this normal.

 

[derekpfeiffer]

Re: Bravo 1 outdrive Hot top cover

Well running warm to the touch would be normal....however if you run long periods of time without going off plane (such as running the river like me) I'd def. reccomend running a drive shower to cool the upper gear case...VERY cheap insurance!!!

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Bravo 1 outdrive Hot top cover

The bravo drives do tend to get good and warm, but if it's really hot, you may have a problem. If, for instance, it's uncomfortable to touch, then yes, you should have the drive checked out.
What drive oil are you using? You have to run the High Performance Gear Lube in the Bravo 1 drives.
No end play in the prop shaft is a good thing
You will see a lot of bravo drives that have discolored paint on the upper unit. The drive shower keeps this from happening.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Bravo 1 outdrive Hot top cover

All the drives run a bit hot up top.
The first thing to check is the oil level and condition. Oil is the primary coolant of the drive, followed by water. But up on plane water doesn't touch the top, so your relying on oil to cool it.
If the oil is low or old/dirty/worn out, it'll run hotter than a mofu

 

[Philster]

Re: Bravo 1 outdrive Hot top cover

It can be normal.

If you sprayed water droplets or spit on it, would the water sizzle and dance in less than 3 seconds? Infrared Temp guns can be used to determine the actual temp if you don't like the spit/sizzle test.

Drive showers, which are just tubes that run from the water line up to the top of the drive, will scavenge water from the sea when running on plane and shower the top of the drive with water. Some newer showers don't need holes drilled.

Most normal-output, medium-performance boats do not need these. However, like a tranny oil cooler for a truck, it all depends on how you use the boat/drive. Your 'normal running conditions' might put a lot of stress/heat on the drive.

Use the best Merc synthetic oil that they recommend... and keep it filled and fresh.