Bravo 3 funky reverse
#1
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Joined: Feb 2022
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Hey guys. I have a bravo 3 behind my 350 horizon. This is a new boat to me. I found when shifting to reverse, the "detent" could not be felt, and it seemed like there was 1/100000th of an inch between "ok its in gear" and "**** its at 2k rpm". Sometimes hitting a high RPM before fully shifting and giving a lovely clunk. Forward shifting is perfect. You feel the detent of the forward shift and then it transitions to throttle as expected.
Of course my initial google search points at the clutch, but also the possibility of the lower cable. I haven't done the cable yet, but I do have it (and the alignment tool). I checked the adjustment last fall and I THINK it was OK. I did not have the tool then. I do now.
With the cable disconnected at the motor, and shifted by hand, the drive seems to shift just fine. There's a detent. It shifts smoothly and quickly. To me, that points less towards the clutch being a problem, yes? Thoughts?
Of course my initial google search points at the clutch, but also the possibility of the lower cable. I haven't done the cable yet, but I do have it (and the alignment tool). I checked the adjustment last fall and I THINK it was OK. I did not have the tool then. I do now.
With the cable disconnected at the motor, and shifted by hand, the drive seems to shift just fine. There's a detent. It shifts smoothly and quickly. To me, that points less towards the clutch being a problem, yes? Thoughts?
#3
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I've read that. I've also read that its fine. lol. But I err on the side of caution and always do it running. So this test was with it running. By pulling/pushing the cable the drive shifted fine so I'm hoping my issue is not the clutch.
#5
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Ya know what. I remember now. I didn't find conflicting info on shifting while running. It was whether or not you needed to be in gear to pull the drive. I have never shifted without the motor running. Cant speak for the PO. He had kids. Kids do things. lol.
#6
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Joined: Mar 2014
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From: fort myers fla
I had kind of the same problem on one of my bravo 3's. Turned out to be a worn shift fork. Pulled it apart, found the issue (with a bit of advice from alldodge on here) & have never had another problem.




