re-installing bravo III?

[Shaun78]

I changed the o-rings, lubed shafts and o-rings. cleaned the mating surfaces. bellows are OK. I think that's it right? slide it in, torque it down, reinstall speedo tube and thats it..... Did I forget anything?
no main gasket,only o-rings correct?

 

[Don S]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

Check to see if it shifts (with someone turning the prop. ENGINE OFF.) before you do the final assembly.

 

[Shaun78]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

good idea, thanks Don...........

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

You might slide an alignment bar in there just to check it (if you haven't already)......

 

[Shaun78]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

I dont have an alignment bar but it was done every year and it did slide right out so if it slides right back then I'll skip that this year and check it next year when I change the bellows next year...

 

[Bondo]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

no main gasket

Bravos Don't use a Gasket,..??..??

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

Yeah, you're probably ok as long as you don't have loose or mushy front engine mounts.

If you're going to do this every year or so you'll want to get yourself an alignment tool...... They are fairly inexpensive and if have access to a lathe, extremely easy to make (I made mine)

Bravos Don't use a Gasket,..??..??

No "gasket" just a couple of O-rings....a round one and a not-so-round one!



Well I didn't "say it all"

From manual #11:

IMPORTANT: The edge of the U-joint bellows acts as a seal between the bell housing
and the drive shaft housing. Ensure that the surface is not damaged.

Which brings up another point Shaun, if you haven't looked at #11 (or don't have one) go here for it!

Cheers,


Rick

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

Check to see if it shifts (with someone turning the prop. ENGINE OFF.) before you do the final assembly.

Especially check if it will go into Reverse. It's possible to not line up the shift cable to the jaws on the lower cable. The drive will almost certainly go into forward gear, but you won't be able to pull it out of forward or pull it into reverse. Please don't ask how I know, please!

 

[Shaun78]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

It's allset, I replaced the 6 o-ring seals and it slid in like butter......I wanted to put a layer of quicksilver perfect seal on the mating surfaces figuring that it couldn't hurt but I forgot.....(anyone try it) I like the though of extra protection because I don't see how the edge of the bellows is a good seal with the outdrive but what do I know.... It shifts in all gears fine so I should be allset. Bellows will be changed next year, they look Ok from what I could see and no water got in from last year but it will be time next year. I did put an exhaust tube this year though....


Now I have to sand & paint the bottom, buff & wax and a few minor things and it ready for the water......It's a never ending project (like a house)

 

[Don S]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

No sealer on the mating surfaces. They do nothing to keep water out. If the bellows is over 5 years old, replace it. Your idea of extra protection won't hold water.

 

[Shaun78]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

It was just a thought. I am guessing the bellows is original from 1998 (260 hrs) I didn't see any cracks or anything and it was dry when I pulled it apart so I am going to wait 1 more season then I will changed it all....(Gimbal, lower cable, and shift cable & drive-shaft bellows) I will monitor to make sure water isn't coming in and I will get back there and check with a flashlight once in awhile. The exhaust bellow was dry rotted but still holding up. I will probably pay someone next season to do that job so I have no problems at all..(also a warranty if there is)

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

Des this boat live on a trailer when not being used or does it sit in the water?




Just a friendly reminder........

Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time,
But always enough time to do it again?

 

[Shaun78]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

This year it will sit in the water in a slip at a marina

 

[Don S]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

This year it will sit in the water in a slip at a marina

With a 10 year old bellows???????????? You do want to find out what it costs to replace a lot of very expensive parts to save the price of a bellows and a little work?

 

[Shaun78]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

I'm not sure if it's 10 years old.... It looks fine and has no cracks. I looked it over quite well so I will inspect while in the water and if water gets in the bilge I can very easily pull the boat and have it changed but it looks fine so I will take my chances. I spent enough money so far and I am buying another house so I will hold off and like I said it looks perfect.....

 

[Don S]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

I will hold off and like I said it looks perfect.....

Good luck, I'm sure that something that looks perfect to the untrained eye has to be perfect. Even though the sealing surface where the drive pushes against the bellows is all that seals the water from inside the bellows. How could that possibly go bad. Rubber always springs back to it's original position and never goes bad......... right?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

last week I did a pair of bravo II drives. water had entered both bellows, drave shaft asseblies, water damaged, cost 525 dollars sitting in the merc box on the counter.
this week I am doing yet another pair with the same issue but I managed to save the center cross and the drive shafts, both pinion yokes are junk. yokes are 166 and ujoints 58 a pop takes about 3 hours to change it all out not including work on the transom assy.
gimbal bearings are now about 70 dollars a pop.
a sunk boat over leaking shift or driveshaft bellow? priceless.
money would have been better spent leaving the old exhaust bellows which wont hurt even if its missing and replacing the shift and drive bellows.

 

[Don S]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

What's that old saying, "A pound of cure is better for the marine tech, than an ounce of prevention by the owner"

I think I have that right............. Don't I ????? Oh well!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

keeps me in a decent income bracket anyway I just wish I had negotiated a commision on parts I sold when I negotiated my current contract

 

[Shaun78]

Re: re-installing bravo III?

Like I said if I get water in my bilge then I will pull the boat(I do have a trailer) then I will have the bellows changed. It's as simple as that. I'm no mercruiser tech but I am mechanically inclined.