Bravo outdrive fluid.

[bronxlatetour]

I have a 1990 Sea Ray 250 DA with the 7.4 Bravo. I have noticed that over the course of aproximately 30 hours of running I have lost 1/2 inch of fluid in my resevoir. Is this normal? Does this indicate a problem? I see no slick behind the boat while running in the water or on muffs in my driveway. Also, what type of service should I have done to the Bravo during the off season besides a fluid change? Thanks.

 

[stevieray]

Re: Bravo outdrive fluid.

bronx - it is possible you have a leak into the drive shaft bellows. You should pull the drive to lube up the u-joint & gimbal bearing at the very least for off-season service. If there's any gear lube in the bellows, you may be replacing some seals as well.

 

[bronxlatetour]

Re: Bravo outdrive fluid.

I know service prices vary but do you have a ballpark for what I should be looking at? I just would like a heads up so I'm not the unwilling recipient of a robbery.

 

[stevieray]

Re: Bravo outdrive fluid.

Are you going to get a full winterization or just the drive service?

 

[bronxlatetour]

Re: Bravo outdrive fluid.

I'll do what is the best preventative maintnance.

 

[stevieray]

Re: Bravo outdrive fluid.

Depending on the facility, prices around here for what they call "full" winterization package (drive & engine) go from $300 - $500. Plus haul out & storage if you need it. Pulling the drive is usually not included - you can figure at least an extra $150 plus any parts. Of course, I'm in a completely different market down here. Do a search on local service facilities on the web - most have published prices there.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Bravo outdrive fluid.

My Bravo 3 loses some too, at about the same rate. I think it's normal. I too never see any oily sheen and cannot figure out where it goes. I bet it slowly leaks out the propshaft seal while moving fast. It has not gotten worse in 160 hours.

Pulling a bravo drive takes like 5 minutes. It's amazingly simple. I'd be very reluctant to pay someone 150 bucks to do it.