Help ID aftermarket sterndrive

[HPwannabe]

I just came into possession of a 97 Maxum withe 454 Chevy and Bravo 3. The outdrive has obviously been replaced, and I assume it is aftermarket, as it has no serial number in the normal location, and I can’t find any identifying information on it anywhere. Can anyone shed a little light on this for me? I would really just like to know what year model it is. Is the serial number location difference on the bravo three?

 

[alldodge]

Most likely will have to separate to get the vintage.

If it has a bolt on Vent plate to extend over the second prop then it's real old.
If it has not bolt on extension and one anode it's newer
If it has 2 anodes it's the newest style

Compatibility chart shows which upper/lowers will swap with each

 

[dubs283]

Can't think of anyone making a bravo replacement drive save for sei maybe?

Sometimes excess paint/corrosion covers the s/n. Maybe scrape the port side of the driveshaft housing to see a remnants of the number. Otherwise a drive removal and split to id the passages/casting as posted by ad suggests

Does the drive work okay? Lube full and clean? Props in good shape and installed correct?

I'm actually more interested in the engine, take care of that 454

 

[HPwannabe]

There is literally no corrosion on the unit. It looks almost new. In the photos you can see the plain brown wrapper and condition. I haven’t got the engine running yet, so I don’t know the condition of anything. But judging by the physical outward appearance of the sterndrive, I am hopeful that it is functional. I was hoping to identify the make and model of it for purposes of possibly parting it out. I recall reading somewhere that there is some sort of data plate that lives under the rear cover on the upper gear housing. But if this is true does it also apply to aftermarket units? I’m also unfamiliar with the layout of the housing. If I remove that plate does it expose the gears? Will I wind up with a quart of lube on the ground?

 

[HPwannabe]

Now I see by the assembly drawings that that plate definitely does appear to seal the gear housing. So I’m not taking that off unless I’m 100% sure that there is a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow. Maybe I should contact SEI and see if they can help me ID it.

 

[alldodge]

The number isn't under the top lid, separate the halves are find part numbers. Can determine age but not the gear ratio

 

[Scott06]

SEI does make a replacement Bravo 3 but I cant tell if it is merc or SEI.

SEI would have marking on it. Since B3's tend to have corrosion issues likely someone repainted it and didn't bother to put the decals back on it.

 

[HPwannabe]

I just can’t believe this is a repainted unit. It just looks too good. But then the question is why doesn’t it have manufacturers labels? Does anybody know of such a thing as a “generic” replacement that is sold with no decals? When you buy a factory refurb does it come w/o decals applied?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would not worry about it.

Decals come off in the sun down here in Florida long before the paint goes bad.

My opinion - Most likely its the original drive that someone repainted

 

[dubs283]

Mercury usually puts the s/n on the metal tab seen in the third pic

Remove the two drive mounting nuts and the torx head screw. Maybe someone turned it around?

 

[HPwannabe]

It can’t be a repaint. I have seen (and done) too many paint jobs over the last four or five decades. I know a factory paint job when I see one. That said, I’m still flummoxed.

 

[HPwannabe]

Mercury usually puts the s/n on the metal tab seen in the third pic

Remove the two drive mounting nuts and the torx head screw. Maybe someone turned it around?

Very helpful thank you! I will pull it off and see. Only thing is, that will be the number associated with the original drive. If this is in fact a replacement, then it won’t be associated with this unit. I wish there was a way to know for sure about this sterndrive.