Zanie

Can this bravo drive be modified?
Take a look at the photos.

OK, what I have is a mid 90s bravo upper. It is a service replacement for an early 90s unit without the oil transfer galley. Its obviously made from the same casting as the uppers WITH the oil transfer galley.

Can the boss be drilled for the transfer tube, so that I can use a later model lower with this upper?
Thanks,
Dan

Zanie

oops

88Fountain

iTrader: (1)

I am using late model sportmaster lowers on 88 model Bravo uppers. I didn't know at the time that they wouldn't work together until I dropped my old lowers off. I called Mercury about it and they said that the oil hole was added to help prevent shaftseal leaks by having a place for the oil to go. Upon acceleration, the oil would get pressurized a little bit from the gearset turning initially, and the oil hole would help relieve the pressure and not put unnessary pressure on the seal. However, I asked them if this hole in the lower could be plugged and they said yes. I plugged the hole, be sure to use a thread sealer, and haven't had any problems yet. I have about 35 hours on the old upper/new style lower combination and haven't had any shaftseal problems or oil/water mixing problems from plugging the hole.

Payton

The same thing was done to a lower that I replaced on my 1990 bravo. 2 years ago.