Advice/opinions on 5.0's and Bravo 3 drives

[SeaNile31]

Been a long time since I've had a gas marine engine other than outboards. My most recent boat had twin diesels and now I am considering a boat with twin 5.0 Mercs, Bravo 3's and a 5kW Kohler genset.

So, this is a 2004 boat with 180 hours on the engines (50 on genset). Been on the hard since November and I am awaiting the service records. Depending on service date I plan on oil change, fuel filter change, outdrive lube change, belt change and zincs on the B3's. Am I missing anything here? Do the engines have zincs as well, what about a Merc Cathode?

The outdrives are in fine working order but look to be about a 7/10 in appearance with some paint flaking and some pitting. What can I do to make these look perfect?

Any advice on the engines, drives and genset is much welcomed!

Thanks.

JK

 

[joncrisler]

Re: Advice/opinions on 5.0's and Bravo 3 drives

Make sure to fully check the genset- run it, and put it on a load as well. Make sure that the Merc sea water impellers have been changed recently. Let me know if you have a Kohler 5E model- I can give you some more advice. The 5E has a rubber impeller as well, much smaller but needs to be changed every few years. They are inexpensive and easy to change yourself.

Drives seem to have a bit of corrosion but not out of line considering the age. If not badly pitted they can be painted, perhaps with anti-fouling paint like Trilux 33.

I see it has Lenco tabs- just make sure they both work. Sometimes the o-rings let go in the ram, water gets in, and it ruins the motors, so they seize up. I have had both Lenco and Bennett tabs and like them both.

 

[SeaNile31]

Re: Advice/opinions on 5.0's and Bravo 3 drives

Engines do have mercathode and are raw water cooled. Boat has been in fresh water it's entire life.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Advice/opinions on 5.0's and Bravo 3 drives

Been a long time since I've had a gas marine engine other than outboards. My most recent boat had twin diesels and now I am considering a boat with twin 5.0 Mercs, Bravo 3's and a 5kW Kohler genset.

So, this is a 2004 boat with 180 hours on the engines (50 on genset). Been on the hard since November and I am awaiting the service records. Depending on service date I plan on oil change, fuel filter change, outdrive lube change, belt change and zincs on the B3's. Am I missing anything here? Do the engines have zincs as well, what about a Merc Cathode?

The outdrives are in fine working order but look to be about a 7/10 in appearance with some paint flaking and some pitting. What can I do to make these look perfect?

Any advice on the engines, drives and genset is much welcomed!

Thanks.

JK

Howdy,


I would want to water test the boat and look for proper running, correct WOT RPM, and possible water contamination in the engines and/or drives.

If you're in an area that experiences freezing temps, look closely at who winterized it. Don't just believe what the seller says.....sometimes they'll say anything to "off" the boat!

If you're not sure what to check, it'll be worth it to pay a reputable surveyor to inspect it.

Good luck,


Rick