Chevy 454 Mercruiser Bravo III drive problem

[Sir Osis of the River]

My Bravo III is not cooperating. I put it in gear and the props turn but they don't push water as in slippage somewhere. I was told you can't spin the Bravo counter-rotating stainless props. If this is true what might the problem be? I just installed a lower unit 1-1/2 years ago and it isn't making the grinding of gear noises like it made before I replaced the unit. No noticable grinding noise, just an increase of RPM's and very little movement. It went from not so bad to very bad in a short span of time. HELP!!<br />Sir Osis

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Chevy 454 Mercruiser Bravo III drive problem

Correct about the props, they have no "separate hub". They are solid hubbed, so they can't be "spun".<br />Spun engine coupler?<br />Bad clutches in the top of the drive, where it shifts?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chevy 454 Mercruiser Bravo III drive problem

Ayuh,.......<br /><br />Don't sound Good,........And, It Could be Either 1........<br /><br />Clutches,..... Ya gotta pull the Drive......<br /><br />Coupler,...... Ya gotta pull the Engine,........And the Drive.......<br /><br />Either Way,....... It's Not a DIY Job,.......Unless You're a pretty good Wrench.......<br /><br /><br />BTW,...... Welcome aboard to the forums here at iboats.............

 

[Sir Osis of the River]

Re: Chevy 454 Mercruiser Bravo III drive problem

Thanks Bondo. What can I do to determine what the problem is specifically without pulling the engine and the drive?<br />SOOTR

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chevy 454 Mercruiser Bravo III drive problem

Is it on a Trailer,.??<br /><br />Was there any "Burnt Rubber" Smell, during that short span of time,.?? How about Now,....

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Chevy 454 Mercruiser Bravo III drive problem

Bondo is talking about common "symptoms" of a spun coupler. Also, can you see the coupler and the shaft while the engine is running? If so, see if the shaft is spinning as fast as the motor.<br />I think you can take the cover off the back of the drive, I know you can take off the top cover. You might want to look in there, for signs of death. Not sure you can actually see all that much, but it might show you something?

 

[Sir Osis of the River]

Re: Chevy 454 Mercruiser Bravo III drive problem

It is on a trailer now. I keep it in the water full time. I didn't notice any rubber burning smell but my sense of smell isn't that good. Is that the only indicator?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chevy 454 Mercruiser Bravo III drive problem

It is on a trailer now.

Then,...<br />Pull the Drive Off,........<br /><br />If it's the Engine Coupler,........ There Should be some Evidence on the End of the Input Shaft............<br /><br />If All is Well There,........<br /><br />I'd Guess that the Drive needs to Come Off,....Anyway,.. To Come Apart............

 

[Sir Osis of the River]

Re: Chevy 454 Mercruiser Bravo III drive problem

OK thanks for your help