incorrect serial # stamped in drive? Possible?

[mr300z87]

I have a strange finding on what I believe to be the original 1990 Bravo 1 drive from my project Sea Ray and wanted to see what you guys thought. After I was contacted by someone who wanted to purchase the drive I noticed this. On the engine cover which i also believe to be original to the boat there is a sticker with drive serial #0D403519 which is listed by merc parts catalog as BRAVO I/II/III STERNDRIVE AND TRANSOM ASSEMBLY


however stamped on the drive is #0D430519 listed as 3.0L/LX Alpha One


Now I know it a Bravo and not a 3.0L engine LOL. Is this drive just stamped wrong at after assembly at the factory? Has anyone see this type mistake before. Unfortunately the drive is mostly a corroded mess with what I think to be a bad prop shaft bearing. I was going to take it apart to see what make it ticks and better understand how these things are put together. Maybe even make a few dollars on some good internals.

have a great night

Mike

 

[Fun Times]

Re: incorrect serial # stamped in drive? Possible?

Yes they have been know to make small mistakes at the factory like that. From what I hear it's a small town but they sure know how to party.:unconscious: Use the sticker as your guide. If by chance you have the # stamping tools, you may want to try and change the numbers around for the next owner.

 

[Maclin]

Re: incorrect serial # stamped in drive? Possible?

If you really want to fix it, what needs to be done depends on which assignment happens first and which one is the "copy" (stamping punches or metal tag "ink")....I would lean towards the casting stamping punches being correct and the tag being the mistake.

 

[mr300z87]

Re: incorrect serial # stamped in drive? Possible?

Thanks for the replies I was just wondering if anyone had seen mistakes like this before. Not that it really matters as the drive is a crusty mess that I doubt is even worth fixing.
maclin I would have to go with the tag being correct because when I run the number stamped in the drive in merc parts catalog it comes up as a 3.0L/LX. That it is not. Now to take it apart and see what makes it tick :mad-new:

 

[Maclin]

Re: incorrect serial # stamped in drive? Possible?

Ah, ok, I misunderstood your original comment about the 3.0LX, I had it backwards in my mind.