www.iFourWinns.com

Has any one here replace the carrier assembly in their Bravo 1? Was out doing some work on the boat getting it ready in hopes of an early spring and noticed that I have what appears to be gear oil on either side of the skeg, appears to be coming from behind the prop somewhere. I had an issue last year (2014) with the mechanic having trouble getting the lower drain plug out and am thinking that the same happened this past fall (2015) and maybe the carrier assembly got damaged in the process. Regardless I am in the process of finding a new marine mechanic, the place I use is the only option in town and have been around for a long time but they do not do good quality work (bilge was full of oil and water after having the oil changed in engine) and I always feel like they don't really care about their customers.

Could be a prop shaft seal. I this happen on a Bravo 3 a few years ago.

_________________
2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

Is this something that the average idiot like me could check? I am keeping my fingers crossed that it is something cheaper than replacing the entire lower unit.

I am leaning heavily toward something being wrong with the carrier/plug since they had issues getting it out previously. I didn't have it in me to pull the prop off and investigate today, like I said previously more than a little angry with the shop here.

When you take the prop off look to see if the oil is leaking at the prop shaft itself. I believe it is a Teflon seal that keeps the oil from draining out around the shaft. This is a wear item and it is a relatively common repair.

The seal itself is not expensive, but The job required a special tool, and I'm not one to open up a gear case. I had a local shop do it and the cost was not too bad.

_________________
2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

You can find digital copies (.pdf) of the Merc Bravo service manuals online. Very useful for troubleshooting issues and determining if it is a job you would want to tackle yourself.

If you cannot find a copy, send me a PM with your email address.

_________________
NEW - 2000 Cobalt 246 w/454 Magnum 385HP | SOLD - 2000 FW Horizon 180 LS w/5.0Gi 250HP Volvo Penta