High Performance Gear Lube Color - Bravo 3

[bruceb58]

But the bearings are still coated with contaminated lube?????

If you fill and then run the engine, that gear lube will be dispersed around.

 

[tank1949]

If you fill and then run the engine, that gear lube will be dispersed around.

That's exactly what I would do!

 

[poconojoe]

There are various types, I have the Simrek so no holes are needed

View attachment 351564
Drill type
View attachment 351565

So, the drive submerged and running in the water doesn't cool it enough? It needs to be sprayed?
Is that a particular drive that runs hot for some reason?
Is there a temperature gauge for monitoring the temperature of the drive? That would be good.
Please explain.
Thanks for addressing my curiosity.

 

[alldodge]

So, the drive submerged and running in the water doesn't cool it enough? It needs to be sprayed?
Is that a particular drive that runs hot for some reason?
Is there a temperature gauge for monitoring the temperature of the drive? That would be good.
Please explain.
Thanks for addressing my curiosity.

Offshore boats started using them first because the drive is under high load and most the drive is out of the water. Some run so high that half the prop is out of the water (surface drive)

The B3 runs hotter then others for a couple reasons. More gearing inside the case and are used mostly on heavy boats for greater load. Also there is less area for exhaust to exit thru the prop

Very few add temp gauges on the drive and if its done then its custom

The tail tail sign is usually white build up on the upper section or the drive do to getting hot

 

[bruceb58]

After I bought my B3, I spoke to a few Mercruiser trained mechanics. Both stated completely unnecessary.

 

[OllieC]

Sorry about the late response. I've been away for a week.

Yes, I did drain all the fluid and I also ran the fresh stuff through it while warming up the engine to change the oil.

Seeing as the marina replaced all of the bellows last year, I am going to have them look at it - give it a pressure test, etc. I notified them and hopefully they'll get to it soon. They still have a few other boats to winterize.

In regards to the drive cooler, yes I added a Simrek, because at the end of my short season(s) ( I said black before and may be a little harsh) the lube was extremely dark. I do not have any white build up though. As I mentioned earlier, I do spend a fair amount of time on plane hopping from islands, so I put one on erring on the side of caution.