Bravo 3 prop swap questions
Hello all....
Bought a nice set of props from ebay. I also bought the new nut kit with washers and the prop wrench for Bravo 3's....... Planning on installing them this week sometime but need some advice. My main concern is the prop being stuck on the shaft after I remove the nut. I've seen videos on youtube with people using pullers.... Are they cheap to buy or can I rent one.... Also was wondering how to lock the props when installing to torque the nuts down. Any info is appreciated......This will be my first prop swap.., |
Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
I've never had an issue removing the propellers, they usually just slide right off. Worst case a slight tap with a piece of wood and a hammer. Propeller pullers are usually only required to remove props from tapered shafts that you would typically find on an inboard powered boat.
To lock the prop while removing and installing, place a piece of wood beteen the tip of the propeller blade and the anti-cavitation plate on the outdrive. Make sure you lubricate the splines with Merc Spline grease before installing your new propeller set, torque the big nut to 100 ft-lbs and the small nut to 60 ft-lbs. |
Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
Thank you.
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Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
Do you worry about "timing" of the props, Steve?
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Can you explain. I was actually about to swap them out.... |
Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
Some people say that how they line up matters, other people say it doesn't matter. I would definitely respect whatever Steve says.
The people that say to "time" them say that a blade on one prop should be straight up while a blade on the other prop is straight down. The problem with this from my experience is that since the blades are so wide it's hard to be very accurate. You can be a few splines off and one still appears up while the other appears down... if that makes sense. |
Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
There is no mention of how to align the propellers in the Mercruiser Bravo 3 service manual. That being said I usually install the large front propeller with the blades in the shape of a Y as I look at them from the rear. I then place the smaller rear propeller like an upside down Y. Seems to work for me.
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Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
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Thanks for the reply's but I'm in trouble ........went to the boat parked at my sisters house and the drive oil was coming out the drain plug hole.....opened her up and drive oil reservoir was empty...Stuck my head in there and there's drive oil under the drive shaft(guessing). Thinking it's the fitting that inserts into transom assembly. I'll post some pics and start a new thread. Thanks again:confused:
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Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
I really hope that you do not need to replace that fitting, it is very difficult to access on my boat. I replaced it and everything else on the transom assy a few years ago. I actually pulled the motor to get access to that fitting. I'm not as young and limber as I used to be. Hopefully it is just the hose.
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Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
Rates depend on your area. Like I said, I have performed this job and it was not easy to access. I would not have an issue paying a a pro to have the job done correctly.
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hi guys. please help. i need advice
i have 2 propellers but i would like to remove one and to try ride the boat with one. is it safe? will it not harm engine itself? I have mercruiser bravo 3. also if i remove one propeller- will it be okey for that metal beam that is sticking out from the lower unit( propeller holder) |
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Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
1999 Mariah z222 Shabah
with 502 Mag MPI getting hot and not getting enough water thru those tiny little holes in the prop. and because it also came with freaking bravo 3 - IT DOESNT EVEN HAVE THE IMPELLER inside there. can some one advice what is the best to swap bravo 3 to?... big block v8 needs muchg more water flow |
Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
Water comes from holes on either side of the outdrive, not through the prop. Make sure they are clear. The Bravo pump on the big block engines moves lmplenty of water. Check the impeller in it and make sure hose from gimbal ring to transom assy is not kinked. Lastly, check various coolers installed on engine for blockages, often caused by pieces of rubber impeller that broke off.
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Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
yeah so correct.
new impeller, but i will double check again all the hoses.but still the cold water hose still once disconnected before thermostat housing- it still not quite a streat id like to see while im in the water. plust bravo three doesnt have the impeller in the stern drive thing... so again - id like to know if its best to swap the bravo 3 to something that would work for my 502 mag 8.2L to get the fountain of water in the engine |
Re: Bravo 3 prop swap questions
The only drives that have water pump in the drive are the alphas which are only rated to 300hp. Your 502 would twist an Alpha up in no time. All other bravo drives use engine mounted pump just like you already have. You have an obstruction somewhere.
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Global- there is nothing wrong with a bravo 3 outdrive. They are a very desirable outdrive. While a bravo 3 does NOT have an impeller in the outdrive your problem with water supply to the sea pump(on the engine block) may be in your outdtive. Not sure how mechanical you are but this is not a terrible fix. This KIT fixes the issue you might be able to address the issue with THIS and get a few seasons out of it.
If you are certain you are not getting enough water to your sea pump the above issue would be a great place to start. |
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