Mercruiser Lower Unit 1993 Sundancer 290, 7.4

[liflod]

I purchased my boat last year and put a summers use on it. The lower portion of the outdrive is broke off. I'm not sure if it is worth replacing. Also I'm wondering if anyone knows what housings are interchangeable ? I plan on pulling the outdrive for bellows and cable replacements this winter.

My drive is serial # OF184783. The engine is a MCM 7.4 LITRE/BRAVO.

Thanks,
Lance

 

[BillK2632]

More than anything that is cosmetic, but it would drive me nuts. If the drive is otherwise ok, I think I would put one of the SS skeg guards on it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

100% agree with Bill - just cosmetic. File the rough edges and go boating. I do differ in my opinion of skeg guards, though. Currently, a new Al skeg can be welded in there and you'll never know the difference. "Sometimes", with a skeg guard, if you happen to hit something it can cause a new break in the skeg that is too close to the gear housing to be welded.

FYI... get your prop fixed, too -- looks like there's at least one little dent or something. That is NOT cosmetic.

 

[liflod]

Thanks for the input. I can't see it when the boat is in the water, so it won't bother me . I'll check into the skeg guards.
I do have the prop off for refinishing. This was the pre-buy picture and we just put it into the water and used it.

 

[Thornton69]

View attachment 48144
I purchased my boat last year and put a summers use on it. The lower portion of the outdrive is broke off. I'm not sure if it is worth replacing. Also I'm wondering if anyone knows what housings are interchangeable ? I plan on pulling the outdrive for bellows and cable replacements this winter.

My drive is serial # OF184783. The engine is a MCM 7.4 LITRE/BRAVO.

Thanks,
Lance

As other have said, would not sweat the skeg unless it is bothering you. I tore down, went thru and repainted my drive last winter (0F389...) and it had similar growth stains to yours. I found the internal water intake passage was badly choked off with barnacles. Had to drop the lower to clean it properly to avoid raw water circulation issues. Something else I found was Merc has a bulletin out on these earlier drives for an updated shift link in the upper. Original was aluminum and once warn could allow the shift cable to slip out and lock your drive in forward. Inexpensive and easy to change with the drive off. Not sure if on your list of to do's or not but would also do the gimbal brg, u joints, raw water impeller and anodes.
Good luck!

 

[LanePipeswell]

Lowers are cheap for bravos. I'd just find a used one in good shape. Hell I gave three good ones away this year that we're taking up space


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[liflod]

I have a couple projects ahead of this one. Once I get the unit removed and torn down, I'll re-post on this thread with my findings and some more specific questions.
Did anyone sell "kits" for the main parts I need or do I need to make a list and order them individually?
Thanks for any and all input.

Lance

 

[Thornton69]

I would avoid the after market kits and stay with genuine Merc parts. The off brand stuff is just not the same quality. Would be a good time to replace the trim position and cutout switches as well while in there that far. Good luck!