TRS - how to tell the difference between Merc and BW trannies?
 

Going to look at a 1986 Formula 357. Boat has 400 Cyclones and TRS drives. I'm *assuming* that since it has the hi-po motors, it has BW trannies but I want to be able to know that when I look.

Any advice?

Re: TRS - how to tell the difference between Merc and BW trannies?
 

The Merc-trans and the flywheel housing are a one piece unit. The B-W trans and flywheel housing are 2 separate pieces.

Re: TRS - how to tell the difference between Merc and BW trannies?
 

Starter mounted on top of bell housing, B/W trans. Starter mounted on side of engine,MercTrans.

Re: TRS - how to tell the difference between Merc and BW trannies?
 

The velvet drive will loo like the left side of this pic (w/o reduction gear).
http://www.marinegears.com/catalog/cat-bw-dr1.html
There should also be a tag on the left side (i think it's on the left) that says velvet drive.
Gary

Re: TRS - how to tell the difference between Merc and BW trannies?
 

That Merctrans was basically a Ford C-6 modified for marine use. Years ago when Ford and Mercruiser were in bed together, that tranny came with the smaller horsepower set-ups. Marc Berman told me years ago that they didn't steal as much horsepower as the BW's and the engine could be closer to the transom.

Re: TRS - how to tell the difference between Merc and BW trannies?
 

Ed, that's interesting - never heard that before. Funny how we think of the Merc tranny as the "weak" one in a TRS set-up, but the Ford C-6 is actually a pretty stout unit. Shows the difference in road vs. marine use...

Re: TRS - how to tell the difference between Merc and BW trannies?
 

The weak link in the MercTrans is the front pump gear. It tends to split right at the keyway. They are a pretty good unit as long as you don't over power it.

Re: TRS - how to tell the difference between Merc and BW trannies?
 

I am suprised that no one ever came up with a fix for that pump gear problem. I had a few of them apart and 25 years ago I did a few C-6s, I never made the connection between the 2.

Re: TRS - how to tell the difference between Merc and BW trannies?
 

OSO, ya learn something new every day...

Re: TRS - how to tell the difference between Merc and BW trannies?
 

Nope, no delay that I ever felt.