Merc Bravo Three Shift Problem Fix and Cone Clutch

This video is about a problem in shifting a Bravo Three outdrive into first gear in which the cone clutch had failed.

[@dougspringer9588]

This is a very common problem on our units as well .. we run commercially .. low rpms.. unfortunately the oil in these drives can not be changed unless the boat is hauled out of the water.. I believe frequent oil changes would help with this

[@Supanova70]

i have an 08 Monterey B3 no forward or reverse wonder if this is it?

[@fishkillavids]

i'm having this issue with my Bravo 3. I only need this outdrive to work about another 100 hrs at low speed/rpms before I upgrade our boat. How long do you think this will continue to work before it doesn't go into gear anymore?

[@kevinkooima8827]

You need to lap the cones. Use medium grit lapping compound for this operation. We have this problem frequently with our lower units. We perform this operation at least once a year for all 3 of our lower units on our boat. It requires that you disassemble the lower unit as if you were going to replace the cones, but instead you take out the clutch cone and the upper and lower gear set and put lapping compound even spread between the inner race the clutch cone fits into. Once the lapping you rotate the clutch cone 3-5 revolutions in the upper gear set and then alternately in the lower gear set until the clutch cone and the inner race of the gear sets all have a very dull finish (which facilitates the grabbing action of the clutch cone), this can be done many times on a clutch cone over it life time. It will also save you $500 from buying a new clutch cone and cost you less than $10 in a tube of lapping compound which is enough for several of the applications for this operation.

[@rmford555]

Great advice. Now that I know how to take the clutch out, will try this next time...if there is a next time. Thanks

[@thomasrauch6477]

If you are that far into a fix why band aid it? When your cone clutch slips, it causes other problems with in your coupler gears and bearings. DO THE CKNPLETE JOB, DONT HALF BUTT IT!!

[@FabianCharrua]

Hi. Do you know if the bravo 3 outdrive comes out in neutral or forward? Tks

[@rmford555]

We pulled it out in neutral

[@FabianCharrua]

@@rmford555 Thank you!! It just wont come out and I dont want to hit it too hard

[@raymondentrekin392]

Do u think I can perhaps call ur mechanic who did ur clutch and explain to him my issue. I don't think it's the cone clutch on mine. I need a 2nd opinion

[@rmford555]

He's swamped and does not give phone advice as he shared he would spend all his time on the phone. I had to agree to one hour of labor for any diagnostic discussion. If you live in the San Diego region I would be glad to provide him with your contact information. He actually did not think the problem was the cone clutch as the Bravo III with 300 hp rarely fails. He got a second opinion from a guy who is a race boat mechanic who rebuilds outdrives that high horse power boats have torn up. Good luck with finding someone and hope the video and information was of help.

[@raymondentrekin392]

where did u purchase the cone clutch ??

[@rmford555]

Purchased through a local marine mechanic that does mobile service who obtained the part and installed.

[@raymondentrekin392]

Richard Ford I've been told my cone clutch is bad and they are wanting to charge me 1600$ just for the part itself. They said u can't just buy the clutch anymore.

[@rmford555]

I know many mechanics will want to replace the entire gear assembly and my initial price ranged from 1500 to 2500 for the assembly. I guess I was lucky to find a mechanic who was wiling to take apart the assembly and had access to getting the clutch.

[@raymondentrekin392]

Richard Ford I need ur mechanic lol

[@thomasrauch6477]

@@rmford555 we replace everything because we have to warranty our work. By the time the clutches go bad, there is wear on bearings which will potentially affect our work.

[@tikhang1808]

I have this problem...

[@kevinkooima8827]

This video show you the almost identical cone clutch design of the Bravo 3. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnyXlZ5rl7aJhZY

[@robertm2172]

I think that crappy shifter killed it to start