Bravo 3 reverse issues
 

I have a Bravo 3 that seems to have issues shifting into reverse. When I shift into reverse, it usually delays for a few seconds and then it sounds like it’s slipping until it finally locks into reverse. I’m good on the gear lube level. Any ideas what might be happening, Thanks.

Using Mercury gear oil?

Yes

First thing to check is shift cable adjustment

Ok, thank you. I should be able to find that in the Merc manual.

After you do all that and it still does it, you are probably going to find out it is the cone clutch assembly. Depending on age, you may have to rebuild the whole upper end, those early parts have been replaced by the newer stuff and it does not match up. Happened to a friends port drive this summer. Same symptoms, but on a B1.

Thank you for the heads up. It’s a model year 2000 but the lower unit was replaced around 2012.

I have the same issue on my B3 except mostly in forward. Pretty sure it's the cone clutch slipping. Now I have to find a GOOD mechanic in PA cause this is out of my wheel house

b1 and b3 have same uppers.....so same problems with shifting and cone clutch. inspection is needed to fix the issue, get the 5.00 tool to measure the shift cable to see if its close. pull the pin so you can man. put in in gear without shifting at the helm. If cable is free and not binding. pull the drive and have your mechanic tear down the upper.

Check the shift cable adjustment like everyone’s said and if that’s ok, pull the drive , disassemble and check the keepers and collar that mates against the top gear, if the keepers are grooved and shiny and the collar is shiny too, replace those and give it a try

So...is there a general age or number of hours where one can expect to have this issue?

IMO
Probably not, it depends on how the drive is used, how much HP, and what lube
Have not heard where its a bad problem, just happens every so often

You can get the plastic gauge for shift cable adjustment from MerCruiser Tools and Supplies for the do-it-yourselfer really cheap. I keep it in my toolbox on the boat. They have improved the cable design, if you have an older drive, it may be worth getting a new cable. I was having similar problems and it was the cable.

Thank you for the info. I looked and didn’t see a shift cable gauge tool. Do you know what it’s called? Thanks much.

The last couple of shift cables I've installed didn't need the tool because the cable was preadjusted 91-17262


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...2077e10b6f.jpg

Thank you

Thank you sir.