Engine Coupler On 1997 5.7L Merc & Bravo III OD - Aluminum Or Steel & Lube Intervals?
My 1997 5.7L Merc and Bravo III outdrive does not have an external grease fitting for the engine coupler. The maintenance manual says I need to remove the outdrive after every 100 hours operation and lubricate the coupler/spline. This is a real pain in the neck and I don't have a trailer. Boat is kept on a lake in a boathouse.
I've had this boat since new and had two coupler failures early in the game which I think were alignment related, none since.
I heard or read somewhere that there are both aluminum and steel versions of the coupler, can anyone confirm this, part numbers would be great?
I'm thinking with the the steel coupler I could maybe extend the lube intervals some and be less likely to otherwise have it fail?
Can I safely extend the coupler lube intervals beyond 100 hours without having problems?
Opinions welcome.
Thank you.
My 1997 5.7L Merc and Bravo III outdrive does not have an external grease fitting for the engine coupler. The maintenance manual says I need to remove the outdrive after every 100 hours operation and lubricate the coupler/spline. This is a real pain in the neck and I don't have a trailer. Boat is kept on a lake in a boathouse.
I've had this boat since new and had two coupler failures early in the game which I think were alignment related, none since.
I heard or read somewhere that there are both aluminum and steel versions of the coupler, can anyone confirm this, part numbers would be great?
I'm thinking with the the steel coupler I could maybe extend the lube intervals some and be less likely to otherwise have it fail?
Can I safely extend the coupler lube intervals beyond 100 hours without having problems?
Opinions welcome.
Thank you.