Bravo III Prop Shaft Discoloration
 

Just got back from a week long vacation boating and I noticed discoloration on the lower unit near the prop. Looks like possibly overheating? Should I be concerned? Here's some pictures attached. Boat ran fine all week no issues. Both side have the same discoloration.

Re: Bravo III Prop Shaft Discoloration
 

That looks like the area of the carrier bearing assembly to me.
What does the gear lube look/smell like?
I think I would take it to my marine tech and have him take a peak at what is going on.
Bravo Three drives are way too expensive to ignore the issue.:eek_animated:

Re: Bravo III Prop Shaft Discoloration
 

Have a look at the oil like Larry says. Easy way to look inside without looking inside. I was told a bit ago those Bravo 3's run hotter than the Bravo 1. That is an odd marking.

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Re: Bravo III Prop Shaft Discoloration
 

I pulled the lower drain plug and the oil looks good. No water or metal shavings. I just changed the lower unit oil before I put it up last winter. I'll call around on Monday and see if I can get it into a shop and have it checked out, better safe than sorry. I don't want to replace the outdrive or lower unit if it can be prevented.

Re: Bravo III Prop Shaft Discoloration
 

I just haven't seen that happen. Usually , when a Bravo drive starts getting hot , the upper , right at the top starts getting a chalky film on it.
Keep us posted as to what the tech says , real interesting too say the least.:confused:

Re: Bravo III Prop Shaft Discoloration
 

Has that drive been repainted?

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Re: Bravo III Prop Shaft Discoloration
 

I had wondered the same maybe it's always been that way and the paint has worn off? I bought the boat used last year so I don't know the history.

Re: Bravo III Prop Shaft Discoloration
 

It's kind of hard to tell from the pictures but it almost looks like abrading to the paint. It almost looks like you can see the edge line of the paint layers where it is wearing it away. Unless that is just an illusion of the picture

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Re: Bravo III Prop Shaft Discoloration
 

I called local marina and showed them the pictures. He thinks it's the paint wearing off from where someone spray painted it. He said if the drive was starting to fail I would know it would make noise or vibrate.

Re: Bravo III Prop Shaft Discoloration
 

Johnny.... Tell him what he's won!!!! Lol. Good deal. Glad it's nothing serious.

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