Bravo 3 engaging gear problem

[stefan_r]

Problem with my port side B3 not engaging gear correctly.

1998 model and Yanmar engines.

When cold it all seems to work fine (which hasn't helped with local dealer identifying the problem...) but when coming back after a run port side won't engage forward unless I slip it into gear and then increase RPM...at about 1,000rpm it goes into gear - with a clunk.

I have had this problem before and local dealer "fixed it" - apparently "the gear" (I don't know which one) that does this stuff was pitted and they took it out and cleaned (badly pitted apparently, lathe and some work, not just washed!) it up hoping that the problem was "the gear" not engaging straight and thus causing the problem.

Obviously not worked...

The new story is:
---tried the "clean it up route" - not fixed, went the clean it up route becasue the other alternative is a "big job"
---best way forward is probably a new drive was the unofficial word from the "junior tech" in the shop
---this might not be the p155take it sounds...they are happy I source my own replancement drive frm the US or wherever and they will fit
---as far as you can I do trust these guys a bit...not too much....but a bit

So - forumites:
-1- anyone got extra bright ideas about what the problem is?
-2- anyone got experience of a good shop for a reconditioned Bravo3 who will take mine in part-ex
-3- worst case what good shops in the US for a mailorder B3 driver delivered UK? Big problem with this idea is that I will be left with a reasonably useful-but slightly problematical-B3 drive to use as a paperweight

Thoughts and ideas?



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[volvopaul]

hi , firstly, check the oil level reservoir in the engine room to see if the level hasnt dropped, these were not the best engine/leg match as you may know.

It sounds like the cone has worn out, as you have had the leg stripped before and the pitting on the gears or cone may have been caused by floating particles of metal in the drive oil getting caught between the gears and cone.

Or at sometime before your ownership the seals have let in sea water and that has caused corrosion and pitting.

Check the basics like the drive engagement cable from the control to the engine then engine to drive, the shorter one.

Failing that it leg strip job, coastal rides in Kent have legs but im not sure on the, will be careful how I choose my words here, warranty statement made by them.

 

[spannerman]

Concur with Paul, it just needs a new clutch pack, just check there is no other damage in the lower gearcase.

 

[Elessar]

Agreed you need new cones but don't skip the advice about trying cable adjustment and putting in nice fresh new oil first. Use the expensive genuine stuff.

And don't worry there's nothing wrong with the match as long as it has been installed to keep the leg cool.

Ensure the water is drawn through the leg and do NOT block the coolant inlet off with the mercruiser supplied kit. A through hull is needed for a yanmar otherwise there isn't enough coolant flow, the lazy way is to only do the thru hull and some installers did this causing problems.

just remember how little of the leg is in the water underway (see below), and when you stop it cools in a big hurry as it gets submerged again. So keep it cool in the first place.

And fit a drive shower to be doubly sure. (there isn't one here on my Bravo 2, but there is on my bravo 3 - must take a picture of that)