252 gears and clutch

[KrisA]

Let my situation be an example of why you always have a survey done.

Took the boat to The Harbor to have it looked at for possible clutch replacement. Apparently the 502 w/bravo 1 you cannot just replace the clutch. The gears must be replaced at the same time and the quote was $3500-$4000.

Do any of you have experience with a situation like this? Looking for some advice on whether to just replace it or if there might be a more cost effective way to do it. I know with older boats you are going to have some issues, but I wasn’t expecting this one.

Thank you in advance.

[Big Block Power]

Let my situation be an example of why you always have a survey done.

Took the boat to The Harbor to have it looked at for possible clutch replacement. Apparently the 502 w/bravo 1 you cannot just replace the clutch. The gears must be replaced at the same time and the quote was $3500-$4000.

Do any of you have experience with a situation like this? Looking for some advice on whether to just replace it or if there might be a more cost effective way to do it. I know with older boats you are going to have some issues, but I wasn’t expecting this one.

Thank you in advance.

I'm not a Expert on this. Other guys will chime in. But without opening it up it could be a way to cover there/your ass. Why replace the gears if they look fine? They Prob have done a ton of these and every one of them come back. So this is just what they do. Or maybe none of them have issues. Just do clutch and gamble. It's like throwing a torgue convertor in on a trans repair. It's a insurance piece that is Prob just fine.

[KrisA]

I definitely understand the logic you are saying. Just not sure I want to start getting into the $3k per problem realm.

[Big Block Power]

I definitely understand the logic you are saying. Just not sure I want to start getting into the $3k per problem realm.

Myself I would get it torn down then look at the pieces.
Let's see what others say.

[SAB220]

How old is the boat? FW/SW? Whats more important is do you trust the guy?

Yes I spent that much to stabilize the outdrive and baseline the boat and its control/systems when I first got the boat. i had no history only promises ( bellow cracked, gimble worn, water pump impeller, water in gear oil, even the engine compartment exhaust fan crap out....age). He delivered all the worn old parts in a cardboard box. Yes I trust him and I'm good for another 10 years although the 15 year old engine sensors bother me

[KrisA]

How old is the boat? FW/SW? Whats more important is do you trust the guy?

Yes I spent that much to stabilize the outdrive and baseline the boat and its control/systems when I first got the boat. i had no history only promises ( bellow cracked, gimble worn, water pump impeller, water in gear oil, even the engine compartment exhaust fan crap out....age). He delivered all the worn old parts in a cardboard box. Yes I trust him and I'm good for another 10 years although the 15 year old engine sensors bother me

98 model, The Harbor is a very reputable shop. They are on TRL and the only cobalt dealer around.

[rabiddawg]

Don’t beat yourself up.

Would your “survey” have revealed your problems?

My point is buying a used anything is a gamble.

[rabiddawg]

If it were mine, they would show me why the gears need replacement.

If there are no marks on the gears, tell them to replace only clutch.

[Big Block Power]

How old is the boat? FW/SW? Whats more important is do you trust the guy?

Yes I spent that much to stabilize the outdrive and baseline the boat and its control/systems when I first got the boat. i had no history only promises ( bellow cracked, gimble worn, water pump impeller, water in gear oil, even the engine compartment exhaust fan crap out....age). He delivered all the worn old parts in a cardboard box. Yes I trust him and I'm good for another 10 years although the 15 year old engine sensors bother me

98 model, The Harbor is a very reputable shop. They are on TRL and the only cobalt dealer around.

Agreed. As a few on here use them.

[dustinm]

When quoting customers its always better to give them the worst case price than the best. You look like a hero when you actually come in cheaper. This is of course they don't just throw all the parts in that was quoted anyway.

[SAB220]

BTW - this is a Boat which generally means high priced marine engine/outdrive/controls OEM parts only.

If this was a ATV/UTV, snowmobile, dirt-bike, or other power-sport,many aftermarket parts are better then OEM parts

[KrisA]

If it were mine, they would show me why the gears need replacement.

If there are no marks on the gears, tell them to replace only clutch.

Mercruiser redesigned their gears and clutch after a few years. There were apparently some issues with them and in doing so you can’t just buy the clutch anymore.

We are taking it somewhere else to have the work done. The Harbor quote was $1886 for parts and $1600-2100 for labor . Spoke with multiple other Mercruiser mechanics and they all said $500-$700 labor. This is doing the shims and bearings as well.

[cmattj]

If it were mine, they would show me why the gears need replacement.

If there are no marks on the gears, tell them to replace only clutch.

Mercruiser redesigned their gears and clutch after a few years. There were apparently some issues with them and in doing so you can’t just buy the clutch anymore.

We are taking it somewhere else to have the work done. The Harbor quote was $1886 for parts and $1600-2100 for labor . Spoke with multiple other Mercruiser mechanics and they all said $500-$700 labor. This is doing the shims and bearings as well.

Yes only Volvo allows the clutch facings to be replaced. Merc Bravos are apart of the gear set.

Tell tale signs with Bravos that are getting tired ( average 500 hrs) are loooong delays when put into gear ( mostly reverse ) then a rev clunks it in.

Put a cooler on after your repairs, and Mercury improvements in the upper housings started 2006 and newer with swept back designed and finned housing tops.

Here is a cooler link.
.

https://www.driveshowers.com/simrek-mul ... -for-sale/