Bravo III Regular maintenance

onislandtime

Is there a reason to separate the drive for regular maintenance? Pulling drives off to sandblast and anti foul painting. Greasing the prop shafts. Anything else except the gimble bearing and bellows to check?

Cableguy Greg

I would say no, but others will chime in. Be sure to change the drive lube once a year.

Stodge

I have the drives removed for service every other year.

Black_Diamond

Drive alignment!!!!

Michael T

Remove drive every year, drain and fill lube, check drive alignment, bellows, shift cables, R&R anodes, touch-up chips, check Merctahode system, check drive guide plastic shims.

reneechris14

Plastic shims thank you. @Michael T I need them on my list.

Michael T

@reneechris14, you don't have to replace the plastic guide shims every year but I check them. I had one half broken off one year and one partially worn through another year. Aren't expensive and just  pop on and off.

reneechris14

@Michael T yes just have one half broken. I forgot all about it till you posted it thanks.

rasbury

So if the drive is on, and you pull it off, would it not be aligned?

randy56

adjust alignment using alignment tool, Check out this clip, enjoy the music 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86gUZXZYtWY

rasbury

And I just had my coupler done, guess I answered my own question!

Michael T

Nice video. IMO two fingers' pressure is the key.

rasbury

When my buddy came over to align the bearing after a new install, and Al mentioned too- a process of aligning the bearing  I think he described it as? When he was done, you could work it in by hand but it was not perfect, it was not sliding in and out with two fingers....but he said it was good enough. And the coupler had just been replaced and I assume they did align the motor- but I put in a new bearing. Might be pulling the drive back off anyway, would be good for me to review this again!

jhofmann

Pulling the drive is the only way to check the u-joints, and to lube them, if they heve grease fittings.

rasbury

Not all of them are anymore- ours is an 05 and is sealed...

onislandtime

Found gear oil in the bellow. Is that Upper seal?

reneechris14

Yes presser test will confirm, careful though I think it's like 8psi.

rasbury

Yes, pretty sure that is that upper seal...per Al, it did not sound to bad a job but I have not ventured into that lower unit - mot sure that's a place where many belong...i had a little in my bellows when I puller my outdrive...until it's worse....