Last fall I purchased a 2003 220 BR with the 350MAG/Bravo 3 and 200 hours on the boat. Came to this site and learned a lot from everyone on procedures, tools, alignment tool and drive stand needed to pull and service the outdrive. Thanks!!! I also have the Bravo service manual.
This past weekend I pulled the outdrive and the splines are dry. :wow: I had to take a scratch awl to dig the hardened grease out of the splines on the drive shaft. The male shaft looks good with very little wear.
Next I inspected the coupler splines. I took a long screwdriver and taped a toothbrush to the end and cleaned the splines on the coupler. I can clearly see the splines on the coupler are worn. They aren't pointed at the tops, but the sides are worn, I'm guessing about a third...maybe less, but no way to accurately measure. Also the engine is slightly out of alignment, because I can't get the alignment tool fully inserted. The grease tracks tell me the engine must be raised slightly.
My question... Does anyone have any idea or guess on how much longer this coupler will last? I know it's tough to gauge without seeing and I can take a picture and post if that will help. My thoughts are to correct the alignment, grease the coupler and drive shaft with spline grease and keep it greased well this year and probably get the coupler replaced at the end of this boating season along with the water pump impeller that is extremely difficult to access.
I know it's a gamble, but I'm looking for some feedback/experience on coupler wear and life expectancy.
Thanks,
Jeff
This past weekend I pulled the outdrive and the splines are dry. :wow: I had to take a scratch awl to dig the hardened grease out of the splines on the drive shaft. The male shaft looks good with very little wear.
Next I inspected the coupler splines. I took a long screwdriver and taped a toothbrush to the end and cleaned the splines on the coupler. I can clearly see the splines on the coupler are worn. They aren't pointed at the tops, but the sides are worn, I'm guessing about a third...maybe less, but no way to accurately measure. Also the engine is slightly out of alignment, because I can't get the alignment tool fully inserted. The grease tracks tell me the engine must be raised slightly.
My question... Does anyone have any idea or guess on how much longer this coupler will last? I know it's tough to gauge without seeing and I can take a picture and post if that will help. My thoughts are to correct the alignment, grease the coupler and drive shaft with spline grease and keep it greased well this year and probably get the coupler replaced at the end of this boating season along with the water pump impeller that is extremely difficult to access.
I know it's a gamble, but I'm looking for some feedback/experience on coupler wear and life expectancy.
Thanks,
Jeff