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Help ID-ing a Bravo 3

H

HPwannabe

Member
Hi all,
I bought a project boat that has a Bravo3. The gear housings have either been repainted or replaced (maybe with aftermarket?) as there are no decals and no ID tags. The transom housing looks original and has SN OK235026. The boat is a ‘97 so I assume that’s the year of the unit, but would like to find out other details of the original unit ( type, ratio, etc) and I’d like to ID the drive itself. Are there any numbers stamped in the gear housings somewhere? Are there particular physical clues to differentiate OEM from SEI? Tried to attach some pics the file sizes are too large.
Thanks!
 
Someone should be along to look up the number on the Dealer network
This pic provides info into if parts have been changed. Pic shows olest to newest housings

Bravo Compatibility.jpg
 
Thanks guys. I had already done some SN browsing but haven’t figured out how to actually ID the drive from these parts lists (as I understand it there are multiple versions with different features). Maybe I’m just not holding my mouth right. But I think my most pressing question right now is whether the drive is OE or has been replaced, and if it has been, what is the vintage and source. I’m not sure how to go about this without disassembly (which I’d rather not do if I don’t have to). I’ve decided to sell the boat, so I don’t want to start tearing into it. But I would like to be as accurate as I can in describing it.
 
AllDodge said:
Hope @Fun Times can lend a hand
Click to expand...
Unfortunately I’m not able to access the Merc dealer website any longer to see if something else like the engine or drive is registered to the transom serial number and I don’t believe there are any regular posters here that work at a Merc dealer that would have an opportunity to try looking it up to see maybe what the gear ratio would of been from new, etc..

The other 2 options would be either call a Merc parts department or email Merc customer service and if you can find it, try to have the engine serial number handy as well as the transom number.

Contact Us! MerCruiser Customer Assistance

If you have questions on your Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive or inboard, contact us directly. Please note that a serial number is required.
www.mercurymarine.com www.mercurymarine.com

As for aftermarket SEI, probably would have to do some disassembly to look for markings outside of normal designation numbers such as on both sides of the upper driveshaft housing,, under the top or back cap, between the upper and lower unit, a letter marked on the U joint assembly shaft area and sometimes under the zinc plate often noted in a service manual while trying to identify certain aspects of the stern drive.

That or sometimes a few photos might help too when possible… sort of looking for the quality of the paint job as sometimes the color shine and/or texture of the overall unit seems to differ between the two that just helps throws off indications when looking things over.

1743094472397.jpeg
1743094472397.jpeg
 
Thank you fun times. Unfortunately I’m having trouble posting photos. But I will see what I can do about that. The paint quality seems to be very good. That is what is a little intriguing about it. I would have thought that either way, it would have had decals of some kind. I’ll keep looking for any kind of numbers anywhere on this thing. And I’ll see if I can find a way to post photos that fit within the space requirements of the page. Thanks again.
 
Sorry, I forgot to mention, I just thought there might be some tell tail signs that people were familiar with that would distinguish an aftermarket product from the Merc. For instance, “the SEI version doesn’t have this boss, or that flange, etc. “
 
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