I serviced my Bravo and found some metal on the top side plug magnet. Not alot but it was there. The bottom plug had less. What is considered acceptable?

How old is the drive?
How did the oil itself appear?
Did you detect any significant discoloration of the oil. (Brownish like)
Was the smell extremely offensive or only moderately?
Do you have a lube monitor, and is it draining slowly?
Can you identify any lube leakage?
Was the drive under pressure when you removed either of the drain plugs?

Small particulate matter is normal for a new to slightly used drive, fine dusting is typical therafter.

If you found matter larger than say a bit off piece of your fingernail then you may have a problem.

2001 Bravo, color was fine, smelled fine, lower magnet was more dust while the upper had slightly larger particles but still very fine. When oil was drained no streaks or metal flaking was found. No pressure when plug removed. I noticed my drive oil in the resevoir rise while running, then at idle it lowered. This is what lead me to service the drive. The only leak I have is from my new "get real" bottle that is leaking down my transom, hopefully it will be replaced this week.

How long between oil change?
When you rub the metal between thumb and finger can you feel any chunks? If so, you have a problem. Fine dust means things are slipping inside and wearing, not a big deal. But the metal in the oil is going thru all the tappered bearings, so it is getting worn out. I would check the magnets after the next few outings to get a feel for things. Any chunks that you can feel and it would be time to open it up for inspection.

Hope this hleps..

D*ck

Just curious what this would signify?

It would indicate a leak, possibly a pressure leak once the drive has warmed up. Thus a slow leak past the bearing carrier seal during operation resulting in loss of lube during high speed operation with no water intrusion, once the drive has returned to a relatively cool temperature post high speed running the seal reforms, and drive lube level is lowered. No reisdual sign of gearlube is noticible on lower because it has been washed off during the cool down. A rare condition, but it has happened.

You might consider having your drive serviced, before it goes to far. Than it can cost big $$. There should not be metal on the magnets of any amount. It's an indication that something is wearing, even though the oil is still green. I.
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