Bravo 3 Cone Clutch reconditioning results

[MightyEsquilax]

Ok, I have great results to share on my Bravo 3 cone clutch reconditioning and a follow up question for the experts. First a brief (or perhaps long) history...

Last season my Bravo 3 was starting to delay grabbing into forward gear especially when the drive was warm after planing. When the drive cooled down after you were off plane for a few minutes the shift would grab much better. It was only noticeable in the forward gear. I learned a lot of lessons while diagnosing this to be a cone clutch and one of them was don't put cheap Walmart marine gear oil in because it is crap and boils whereas the High Performance Quicksilver SAE 90 does not boil and expand. In the off-season I tore down the upper gear housing and "buffed" the cone clutch with some 130 grit emery cloth per a recommendation I read. I flipped the cone clutch over (reverse side now the forward, etc...). I carefully replaced all the gaskets I lined up the timing marks and torqued everything the best I could to the Merc specs. I also took the time readjust the lower shift cable to spec using the Bravo 3 cable tools and bell housing tools. I readjusted the shift control cable to spec and took out any backlash in the cable. I remounted the drive and now I have what I would characterize as "perfect" grab in forward and reverse gears even after extended planing. No delays, no grinding.

Here is the follow up question. In the OMC and Alpha Gen 2s I have owned in the past I would describe a very satisfying "gunk" noise when going into forward and reverse. My Bravo 3 now has that satisfying "gunk" noise when shifting into forward and reverse that I never had before. The boat dealer that sold me the Bravo 3 (paraphrased) said the Bravo 3s don't make noise going into gear.

So, I've fixed my problem but can anyone confirm (or deny) that I have created a problem by now having that "satisfying gunk" noise going into forward and reverse on my Bravo 3.

I don't think it's a problem but I value iBoats forum thoughts and opinions! A quick thank you to all the forum users for helping me get this problem diagnosed and fixed!

 

[alldodge]

There is a noise but its real light sound, not like the Alpha and OMC. Have B1 and B3 and neither make much of a sound going into gear. They make more of a sound when going from fwd to rev or rev to fwd quickly when docking

 

[rickasbury]

Yes, mine you don't notice any noise...maybe since you did all the stuff the cable needs to be adjusted? Idle speed correct?

 

[MightyEsquilax]

Thanks rickasbury and alldodge for the replies. Idle speed is correct. I did perform all of the control cable and lower shift cable adjustments to spec with the proper merc tools. The shift to/from fwd, rev, and neutral really is perfect...with the exception of the new "gunk" which is familiar from my Alpha Gen 2 and OMC days... You've given me more to think about!

 

[rickasbury]

I have no mechanical trading behind me and only offered my comment on my out drive performs. I have a little over 300 hours on it, the only issue I've had was a prop shaft seal which I did have someone do. I understand from mechanics it is as complicated as it is well designed.

 

[alldodge]

My guess since there is more noise is from having more play between gears and clutch shaft. Don't think I would worry about it

 

[netting one]

Hi mighty esquilax, this is really interesting read! The last couple of times out when i come in to dock i first go into rev then forward and have nothing? After some panic and going back and worth on the shifter it sorta goes in forward! After reading many posts i came up on yours and sounded like my problem. I was thinking heat myself, short trips doesnt seem to have the problem. So you said dont use wallmart gear lube and thats what i did for sure. It was the high performance blue oil and almost looked like the same stuff i buy at my marina for 5 bucks cheaper! I did try moving the barrel on the cable but wasnt sure what way to go and havent gone out yet. so thanks for the post for sure. Looks like i have to pull the boat and change the fluid thanks again dan