Recent content by rubberchicken

Merc uses cone clutches in the Bravo 1, Bravo 2 and Bravo 3 drives. The Alpha uses dog clutches. Not sure about the older TR and TRS drives but I assume dog clutches. (The Alpha is for smaller engines up to about 300 hp, Bravo is for more powerful engines).

I am getting a membership at our local outdoor range (Marriottsville), and getting in on the orientation classes is tight- no open slots.

You have some good points, but your numbers for virgin PUP 5w30 are off compared to the quoted SAE paper. The flash point of virgin PUP 5w30 is 203 C or 398 F, which actually sounds on the low side. Kinematic viscosity at 100 is 10.3 . I wonder if your quoted values are from a different, earlier...

Seems like a good report, but the previous report note the oil viscosity. Many have said that it might have been an error in the analysis.

I agree with you- the MM is supposed to clarify and regulate what a warranty means and its terms, but not if you even get a warranty. A lot of people forget that it was claimed abuse by major computer manufacturers in the 1960's and 70's that motivated the sponsors.

I have watched most of Lehto's Law videos, and find them very informative. But I do not think he has addressed this issue specifically- I really wish he would. Lets write him and ask him to address it !

If a consumer finds themselves fighting a battle in the US over aftermarket filters, one place to turn is the filter manufacturer. If you call their main line, they usually have an option for "warranty claims". Discuss it with them for advice on how to proceed. Also, one can make the argument...

This seems contrary to the extensive research I have done on US law, specific the Magnuson-Moss Act. My understanding is that the burden of proof is on the manufacturer. I can see the argument that they already have their experts (dealer staff) make that determination, and now the consumer has...

I have never owned a Volvo stern drive. I looked up the specs and the product does not mention any "marine" use or Volvo spec, but it does seem to be a high quality product.

Clinebarger - what is the red snot that is used in many pictures ? Is that some sort of assembly grease that dissolves in the trans fluid ? I was overhauling my Mercruiser Bravo 3 boat stern drive, and they have a certain part where there are loose needle bearings in the lower drive casting. It...

Originally Posted by Bluestream Its the same oil as automotive, no need to pay more. This is a false statement- in many cases automotive gear oil is not the same as marine oil. See my opening statement on water emulsibility. That said, marine gear oil is pretty common and you can get it from...

What really struck me is now nice the machine work is, and the parts quality. The last pic reminds me of a clutch pack in a motorcycle, and some of it reminds me of a gear set / cone clutch in a Mercruiser stern drive. Nice pics

I just did a test of water contamination using regular gear oil, and marine gear oil. The test was for water emulsifying- will the gear oil keep the water in suspension ? All marine drives get some small amount of water contamination, so the goal is to keep it from damaging the drive. Well- the...

Originally Posted by Nick1994 I know, I know, these warranties aren't always a good idea. Looking for advice for a coworker. He's buying a house and wants a home warranty. He isn't super handy, so I don't see him fixing everything on his own, would like more of a peace of mind. How does it...

I use Amsoil Synthetic Marine Gear lube. Oddly it generally costs less than the Merc / Quicksilver brand.