Does anyone know the Gear Ratio for a Bravo 3 on a 2003 37 PC with Merc 496s ? I bought the boat last year and the previous owner replaced the Stbd drive in 2018 and the Port 2021. Looks like I am already having problems with the Starboard after 4 years. Any experience with Bravo 3 not lasting on these boats?
Bravo 3 Gear Ratio Merc 496s on 2003 37 PC
- Thread starter BradS
- Start date
AllDodge
Well-known member
First drive lasted 15 years, second lasted 4 yr. Might be the 2nd wasn't new or wasn't rebuilt correctly.
Wonder if the correct lube was used and how often it was changed?
Which part failed (upper or lower)?
All B3 lowers are the same, there is no difference in a standard, X or XR, its the upper that changes designations
Wonder if the correct lube was used and how often it was changed?
Which part failed (upper or lower)?
All B3 lowers are the same, there is no difference in a standard, X or XR, its the upper that changes designations
Yes the boat is pulled every year and serviced. Kept in NJ. So in the water May-Oct and out for the winter. Second season with the boat. It's making a rotating clacking/banging sound when the engine is running in neutral, forward or reverse. It is the upper unit that has issues.
AllDodge
Well-known member
In most cases that would be the U joints, could be gimbal bearing but most times that's more of a growl. Last choice is the upper section
AllDodge
Well-known member
And have read many threads about having the local marina service stuff to find out later it was either done very badly or in rare occasions not done at all. One where guy paid every year to have oil changed. After around 6 years the owner used another shop and they told him they needed to pull the exhaust manifold just to barely have enough room to get at the filter. To shorten the story it was true and the filter that came off was real rusty and had not been off in a very long time.
I did that.. still waiting to hear back from them… Sometimes the response time can be up to a month.
That sounds like bad u-joints, not a bad drive. If it's banging that much, you will most likely need some new parts along with the u-joints. Do you drive, or even run the engines with the drive's trimmed way up by any chance? Like maybe in shallow water? That is a surefire way to destroy u-joints. A competent shop can pull the drive and know where the problem is.