Offshoreonly.com

Offshoreonly.com (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/)
-   Drives and Lower Units (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/drives-lower-units-217/)
-   -   Can you start your engine with a Bravo Xr in gear? (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/drives-lower-units/314613-can-you-start-your-engine-bravo-xr-gear.html)

Dean Ferry 07-03-2014 06:52 AM


Originally Posted by bor (Post 4147329)
I put mine in gear at 900-1000 rpm and hold up fine ,but it s a light boat but turning a 30 bravo .

Well, I hope it lives for you, BUT Merc says the idle RPM should be 750 max for shifting.

4bus 07-03-2014 06:56 AM

Keep in mind shifting with the engine off is also very bad for the drive, and sometimes not even possible. Major strain on the cables and the shift fork

Dean Ferry 07-03-2014 07:35 AM


Originally Posted by 4bus (Post 4147652)
Keep in mind shifting with the engine off is also very bad for the drive, and sometimes not even possible. Major strain on the cables and the shift fork

4,
Thanks for the reply , and I have heard that also, that is the kind of info. I'm looking for, so I'm trying to pick the lesser of the 2 evils here...

mike tkach 07-03-2014 08:14 AM

dean,i disconnected the neutral start switch on my cat and ran it that way for years,much better on the drives.

beaver 3 07-03-2014 08:27 AM

Is there any way you could install a shift interupt opposite of the alphas. Meaning going into gear instead of out. I dont have mich first hamd knowledge with bravos but just trying to help brainstorm.

Cobra100+ 07-03-2014 09:29 AM

I have been seriously considering inableing mine as well. Just cant get idle below 900-1000 even with the surge. Great thread.

Sydwayz 07-03-2014 10:02 AM

I'd go with the switch approach. Sounds like a great option.

Griff 07-03-2014 11:42 AM

900rpms is no problem. When you start getting around 1000rpms,then it gets hard on the cone clutch.

You can easily wire in some bullet connectors and a switch.
I know most of shifting happens while docking. You won't be able shift the Bravos like a crash box with the engines off.

dereknkathy 07-03-2014 02:17 PM

what if you just put a thumb button kill switch on the throttle or shift lever? just a lil touch when shifting. then wire the kill switch thru another shutoff so you can't inadvertently kill motor when running.

Dean Ferry 07-04-2014 11:25 AM

Mod done, just spliced out the safety N. sw. I'll check it out tomorrow and see how it goes. Thanks for all the ideas guys, I just wanted to keep it a KISS apporach.
Thanks,
Dean


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:37 PM.


Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.