Bravo XR problems - need feedback
#1
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Bravo XR problems - need feedback
First post, so be nice to the new guy.
I need to replace the drives on my 1993 35' fountain. I would like to upgrade to B1 XR drives. I have read posts concerning soft gears and front seal problems on the XR. I would like to avoid purchasing drives with these problems. The only way I know to avoid these drives is to understand the drives affected. Does anyone know the SN range or date range of drives affilicted with these problems?
I need to replace the drives on my 1993 35' fountain. I would like to upgrade to B1 XR drives. I have read posts concerning soft gears and front seal problems on the XR. I would like to avoid purchasing drives with these problems. The only way I know to avoid these drives is to understand the drives affected. Does anyone know the SN range or date range of drives affilicted with these problems?
#2
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Why not convert yours to XRs. Send them to Imco have them put a race tower in them and machine upper cap(for stud kit). Then get XR gears from Merc (of course you will need different bearings and races
). Put Imco propshaft w/ billet carrier and vertical shaft in lower.You will be able to use same size u-joints.
). Put Imco propshaft w/ billet carrier and vertical shaft in lower.You will be able to use same size u-joints.
#5
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I've done the conversion and still had problems. I ended up buying new xr's from doller marine. They were about a grand less and free install. Plus a warranty. After countless breakdowns and ruined weekends and weekdays (my wifes rants) I just said screw it and bought the XR's with drive showers. And happier for it. I dont think a serial number range has anything to do with it. I only had merc 500efi's. My XR's have been hanging so far. Good luck
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Max came with a great bearing system for XR and X gears. Since Merc does not sell replacement needle bearings for the gears (XR and X). Max's is a non-full compliment needle bearing that is bigger and will take more load,rpm. So if you get water in your drive or lose a needle bearing, Merc does not have a replacement, call Max Worx.
#10
Originally posted by marinetrans
BTW, Torrington will not sell Merc's bearings to anyone. Its a Merc item only. Imco can't even get them.
BTW, Torrington will not sell Merc's bearings to anyone. Its a Merc item only. Imco can't even get them.
I'm sure this is different as I am just working with standard B1's, but I just replaced all the bearings in my lower units. The original bearings were Timkens. Merc wanted something like $32 apiece. I bought the exact same bearings from AutoZone for $8 each. Standard wheel bearings. For those that AutoZone did not carry, a local bearings and seal business had them on the shelf for still under $10 each.
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