Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

[HT32BSX115]

Howdy,

I'm considering a suggestion made by one of the other members on this board.

I found a 2003 300hp injected Mercruiser with a Bravo1 drive on it. It was removed from a boat so the owner could install a big outboard. (I don't know if I would do that but he did)

He also bought the Sterndrive new and it has about 450 hrs on it.

It's in good running condition and includes everything(trim pump, steering gear etc) except the harness. It has closed cooling installed OEM.

I want to make an offer contingent on good compression and maybe an oil analysis etc.

Also should I just assume that I will have replace the manifolds since it was used in salt water (as far as I know it was trailered)

What would be a good deal on this package? (I think he's asking about $6500-7000)



Thanks,


Rick

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

What he's Asking is Reasonable,.......If it Checks Out Well.......

The Bravo Drive,+ it's Transom Assembley is Almost worth the price he's Asking........

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

Thanks Bondo,

I think the only problem mentioned was when the guy was getting up on plane the raw water pump failed. He noticed smoke coming from the eng compartment area as the exhaust system hoses/rubber etc heated up so he shut it down immediately.

It didn't run long enough (he said) to over heat the closed cooled engine.

They replaced all the associated rubber exhaust components and raw water pump. Then he took it to the place that installed the eng/transom/drive and had them pull it and install a big outboard.

I'm sure that was an expensive proposition.


I am thinking that it might be an adequate replacement for my wonderful 460 King Cobra.

Would it be correct to say that the 1987 7.5L King Cobra was rated at 340 crankshaft HP and the 2003 5.7MPI Merc is rated at 300 Propshaft HP?

If so, I'm thinking that the performance might be similar.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

Be carefull on the Gm Vortec engines that run hot. The heads crack very easily. That being a closed cooling system application it may not be as bad of a problem.

A cylinder leak test would be in line for that particular engine due to the overheating.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

Thanks,

I'm going to take my compression check-gage and ask if I can do a quick comp check.......Maybe I oughta do a leak down check as well so I can listen to the intake and exhaust for valve leaks etc..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

Good Idea.............

If you can load it into the truck for $5000.00,.........

You'd be Stealing it...........

If it Checks Out, 'Course..........

 

[newport dave]

Re: Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

Do a compession test if possible, but on an engine that has been removed a leak down might be easier/better. No use doing an oil analysis if you can't run the engine up to temp first.

Check the engine computer for information on the overheat. There should be stored information on the duration and severity of the incident. You may get other useful information including engines hours at various operating ranges.

Dave

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

Thanks,

Maybe I oughta do a leak down check as well so I can listen to the intake and exhaust for valve leaks etc..

And check the heat exchanger for bubbles.

 

[QC]

Re: Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

I'd also check the Gimbal ring for wear at the swivel shaft. The time to replace it is before you install the whole thing. With those hours, if he did not stay after the U bolt torque it is probably hurtin' for certain . . . it's $1000 to replace without labor. No big deal, just something you could negotiate with and, again, you want to do it before it's all together.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

Is 450 hrs a lot for a Bravo?

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

They should last as long as the engine with proper care. Hitting logs, rocks, and the bottom, in general, reduces the life expectancy.

 

[QC]

Re: Mercruiser 300 MPI/Bravo 1 value

No, not at all. It's a lot for a Gimbal that has not had the U-bolt torqed properly. I bought a used 2001 Bravo 1 with 92 hours on it three seasons ago. The previous owner must not have torqued the U bot ever as the Gimbal was wallowed out at the swivel shaft by 150 hours for me. It may have been a bad Gimbal. I've got 325 hours on it now, and it has to be replaced. If maintained properly this is probably not an issue. MIne is only a 320 6.2, so you can't really blame it on high loads etc. I understand they are a commonly worn item (again just the Gimbal). There are some fixes out there that don't require pulling the engine forward, but the fact is they are a weak point. If there is any sign of wear, I'd have it welded up and machined before you install it.

Check out this guy:

http://www.jrmarine.com/products/gimbal_repair.htm

Don't let me get you too worried. Just needs to be changed while the engine is out if it is bad. Much easier then.