Broken Bravo II question?

[Navigator53]

Our boating friends have an 88' Sea Ray that broke the U-joint, took out the bellows and a small chip right where the Bellows lip locks into the groove on the bottom (also took out part of the groove)

Does the engine have to be pulled to replace the intermediate housing? (I think that's what it's called)

Lots of sealant and it still didn't hold when raising the outdrive and turning side to side, popped off :cry:

Is there "fix" that would help cut down on costs?

It used to be an Alpha I but was converted to a Bravo II.

Thank you

Mel

[SomeSailor]

I would think a good metal shop could repair it. It's a cast part, but with a filler like EZ92 or something you could make it like new again with enough time.

How much is that part?

[Navigator53]

It's $250 to $300 for a used intermediate bell housing if he can find one.

And maybe $700 for labor providing the engine doesn't have to be pulled.

The mechanic that has been working on it isn't sure if it needs to be pulled or not.

Thanks Mike!

Mel

[heymagic]

I think the motor has to come out to get to the bolts. Good time to replace all the hoses, gaskets and exhaust seals anyway.

[Navigator53]

Gene, that isn't what we wanted to hear :cry:

He's had some big bills on this boat since last season and we were hoping there might be an easier fix than pulling the motor.

On his boat, there is a lot more space behind his 7.4 than ours, is it possible that it "could" be done without pulling the motor?

Thank you

Mel

[SomeSailor]

If you lifted the motor up free across a beam, you could possibly turn it to get the back of the motor without lifting it clear of the boat?

It would be a great opportunity to a go a little further I suppose and pull it clean and do a proper job of it?

[Navigator53]

That's true Mike.

I'm just hoping someone would have a way to save his marriage and still get the boat running :roll:

Mel

[SomeSailor]

I thought many times about simple ways to lift the motor. Figured a break down frame athwart the gunnels would be the easiest to rig and break down. Something like this?

[pkrogh]

Mike,
You should make a couple of those and at least put them out for rental!
There are many times I've rigged up some kluge out of wood to do the same
job, but then the wood goes back into the wood pile.
Should work very well!

Pete