Believe it or not the last 2 brand new bravo drives each one maybe had 8 oz of oil in them when shipped hence my answer as I thought for the change. This has been with in the last 6 months from ordering, I do not know if it was a mistake or a change or a possible shipping change. Sounds like a mistake after the fact.

I pressure tested them before the install and then filled with gear oil - both still running around. With that said I should have mentioned but more so make sure you check gear oil levels like others have said and the condition of the gear oil. I have been an OEM since 1991 and have been in the boat biz for over 30 years now.

Being a left over outdrive from Stingray Boats even with gear oil in it - I still would change it as merc recommends yearly gear oil changes anyways even if you do not use the boat plus I like to pressure test all drives anyways including new & remaned before the install.

Have not received the drive yet but the serial number is 2AO12659

If new drives need a break-in , how come manufacturers take brand new boats and run the **** out of em testing for top end numbers ?

Here is the best I can do and if you ever took any Mercruiser factory training its talked about and listed in the manuals as well. Link backs up what i posted.

The same goes for the engine side - proper break in should be done - with that said how many people follow the proper procedure ?

Read link about 10 hour break in as Mercruiser list this the same way as well in some of their manuals. I believe this was a copied section and posted in this link.

http://www.bluewatermarinesvc.com/ht...uiser_fyi.html

Drive showed up full of oil and a little 16oz SAE90 to top it off. It has dual water pick ups. Last drive had just the side pick ups. Is that going to be an issue?