Running a LH prop - drive question
 

I know you can run a LH prop on a single and simply reverse the linkage on the shifter(or run in reverse). But, what about gear wear patterns on the drive gears? Is the potential for gear damage greater if the drive has been run the "normal" direction for it's whole life then you suddenly reverse the direction?

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

can't think of anything that would do that.. if it's a weak gear it's a weak gear.. but then can't think why you'd want to change the dicertion of your screw one a sinlge.. only if that the prop you got??

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

Well the main reason is I have a chance to pick up a used LH
prop for a great price.

But, I have also read a few threads where people swear you get better handling when uou run a LH prop on a single.

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

I was told from Merc, DO NOT run a gear case in reverse as forward.

They build these to run that way for reason..

I had an issue in the 90's with a prop problem on a new boat, the sent the wrong prop. I asked can I run the drive in reverse for the weekend ? They said "Do NOT for any reason run the drives in reverse at high RPMs, we design them to run the way intended".

Hope this helps.

If wanted to switch rotation on my cat, I switch drives not props.

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

Bravo's are reversible...

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

OK :rolleyes:

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

yep. you can run a bravo either way.

Im not sure about the gear wear. Ive heard that with high hours you dont want to switch them, but not sure if its true or not.

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

My boat was set up for a LH..like a dummy I bought a RH, switched the linkage with no problem. Although it is in the shop for a drive issue.... :eek: I think its unrelated though.

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

[QUOTE=eMotiondriver]I was told from Merc, DO NOT run a gear case in reverse as forward./QUOTE]

I agree with eMotiondriver - I have always heard that the issue of running a RH bravo as a "lefty" involves the cone clutch assembly.

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

Hell I should have made this a poll! :D

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

It really involves the thrust on the vertical shaft shoving against the top cover of the drive

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

Doesnt it always? :drink: :drink: :D :drink:

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

[QUOTE=dirtlawyer]There isnt a RH or LH bravo, just a bravo. There are LH/RH alpha, TRS and SM drives.

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

Thank you sir :) :)

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

Mercury has a Bravo part # for RH & LH :eek:

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

Is it the same number :D

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

I just went to mercruiserparts.com and it only shows one number.

If you want to think there are 2, then go ahead. :rolleyes:

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

I believe that you cant run an outboard gearcase in reverse. That is why they have right and left offshore gearcases. The Bravo can run in either direction and its okay.

Cheers,
Andy

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

I called a dealer for a friend TODAY and they needed a part #. The only reason I called, is because we know the family thats owns the dealership, he needed a part # I told him the ratio, he said there are part #'s for RH&LH.... :rolleyes: :eek:

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

Believe what you want to, that there are 2 part numbers, that there are rh and lh gears.

Or you can know the truth. There is no such thing as a LH or RH Bravo drive. There is one Bravo Drive and it can run in RH or LH rotation.

The issue of changing the rotation of a drive after its been run for a while will be a matter of opinion. Chances are if it breaks when you change rotation, it was going to break soon anyway.

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

HuMMMMMMM. So your saying my service people lie, or are confused, and numbers are for a different price ???

Just a question? :confused:

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

I'm saying they are like a lot of "techs". They look in a book for the answer and whatever the book says is the way it is.
I'll bet they would charge over 6k for new standard Bravo 1 drive as well when they are available all over for around 4k. The "book" will list that as retail price.

There are some differences from early Bravos to newer ones, and the newer X, XZ, and XR. But the bottom line is all of them can be run in either direction.

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

http://www.offshoreoutdrives.com

Brian will answer as he is a small shop and he will answer the question correctly

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

has anyone tried it on a single engine stepped hull?

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

Yup :rolleyes:

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

You are correct, you can run these drives either way, I've done it, but there is a differnce in the bearings, thrust, clutch cone, etc,etc,etc tolerance's as far as direction. I guess they finally figured it did not make a difference. :confused:

I only call for part numbers, then I call Mercury with a dealer number, so price is not what U believe......... :evilb: :eek:

Re: Running a LH prop - drive question
 

What I have heard is if you want to run a bravo L/H with big power is to put a billet cap and studs on like max worx uses to help prevet flex on the cap,with stock power makes no difference. I have flipped the upper (l/h) and lower (r/h) top gears over before while rebuilding my own drive to put even wear on the gears as I run my always R/H,Smitty