Got a new old stock 2013 bravo drive on the way.
Does Mercury ship the drive with oil in it?
Is there a break in process?
Low hour oil change?

Merc is shipping you an 2013 outdrive - They do not have any leftovers that far back. Some 2015 left.

Anyways are you sure this is coming direct from Merc ?

Where are you buying this outdrive ?

When Merc ships drives - no gear oil is in them and yes there is a proper break in procedure and drive oil change. Merc does not use a special break in oil for new drives.

I am purchasing it from Stingray boats. Brand new over stock. They believe it to be a 2013/14. I bought one of four available.
Can you explain proper break in/oil change or point me in the direction.

Can not speak for Stingray boats as to how and what they did with a leftover drive.

Anyways Merc recommends for brand new and replacements gears rebuilds a 10 hour break in period.

no full throttle starts

Do not exceed 75% of throttle during the 1st - 5 hours and for the next 5 hours only intermittent full throttle - Do not due extended full throttle running.

Do not operate at any constant speed for extended periods

The outdrive should be shifted into forward gear a min of 10 times during break in with run in time at moderate rpm after each shift.

gear oil change at 10 hours but IMO I think 2 hours and again at 5 or 6 hours of run in time. Just my opinion .

So don't go prop testing with a new drive?
Oops!

It wont make any difference.

All the new drives i have gotten from merc had gear lube in it,but of course needs to be checked break in is just common sense don't run the crap out of it for the first 10 or so hours change the oil 20 hrs or so sooner if you want,I have been a merc dealer for 20 plus years

All the mercury drives and gearcases I have received have always had gear oil in them, but like MDG stated it needs to be checked

every new drive I have ever got from mercury has always been full of gear oil

Oops! Just a little slip of the mind there even on my part as New complete drives from Merc do come with oil already inside while complete Remanufactured sterndrives, I don't/can't recall them coming with oil? MDGperformance or oceanoutlaw have you ordered a complete Reman lately? just in case DrewDown receive one. Drew, When you receive the drive, be sure to post the serial number as one of these helpful OSO members may be able to confirm the year of the drive for you. Good luck.