[eliminator cat]

Have a 1986 20ft. Nordic with a Bravo 1 outdrive, was trying to check the gear oil in the case but it does not seem to have the top plug. It does have a tank that is mounted inside the transom that appears to have one hose that looks to gravity feed but not sure?

 

[Beer:30]

That era may not have had an upper plug? Mine is 2001 and it does. Pull the prop and check the bottom one. Should be same a newer ones in that respect.

Since the boat is new to you, I would just drain it, and re-fill it. Instructions say to fill until you see the oil in the top plug/vent THEN just top off the jug.

I have taken to filling the JUG from the bottom as well. In other words, I put in the top plug when it gets to that level, as it helps to relieve the air for bulk-filling. Then, after the top plug is in, I keep pushing fluid from the bottom until the jug is a bit OVER the full level. Then just put the bottom plug in. This insures all of the air has been pushed out clear through the whole system.

I run the TORCO RTF. It's super tough (GL6 rated) and is 30wt viscosity. So, you will free up some HP - if you choose to run it. I have ran it to 65 hours with almost ZERO fuzz on the magnets.

 

[eliminator cat]

Bravo 1

That era may not have had an upper plug? Mine is 2001 and it does. Pull the prop and check the bottom one. Should be same a newer ones in that respect.

Since the boat is new to you, I would just drain it, and re-fill it. Instructions say to fill until you see the oil in the top plug/vent THEN just top off the jug.

I have taken to filling the JUG from the bottom as well. In other words, I put in the top plug when it gets to that level, as it helps to relieve the air for bulk-filling. Then, after the top plug is in, I keep pushing fluid from the bottom until the jug is a bit OVER the full level. Then just put the bottom plug in. This insures all of the air has been pushed out clear through the whole system.

I run the TORCO RTF. It's super tough (GL6 rated) and is 30wt viscosity. So, you will free up some HP - if you choose to run it. I have ran it to 65 hours with almost ZERO fuzz on the magnets.

Thanks for the info

 

[kiethco]

Another Bravo question: I have a new to me Bravo and had the transom mounted reservior upgraded and filled at the last service. This is my first season with this package, does the reservior need to be refilled often, does the Bravo use gear oil? The outdrive is in like new condition with 260 hours on it.
Thanks

 

[Beer:30]

Another Bravo question: I have a new to me Bravo and had the transom mounted reservior upgraded and filled at the last service. This is my first season with this package, does the reservior need to be refilled often, does the Bravo use gear oil? The outdrive is in like new condition with 260 hours on it.
Thanks

Depending on the age, it may or may NOT have a level sensor in the bottom. If there is a sensor/plug at the bottom of the jug with two wires coming from it, it DOES have one.

If NOT, you need to keep an eye on it - check it ever trip on the way OUT and after back on the trailer - to make sure it hasn't changed much if at all.

Yes, it uses gear lube. 75-90 is the norm, but there is better stuff. Jim Wilkes likes Lubrication Engineers stuff, whereas I have some extreme use-experience with the TORCO I mentioned above. OR, you can always just use Merc Quicksilver. RedLine and AMSoil have some great offerings as well. It depends on how GOOD you want to treat your outdrive. The TORCO is around $20/liter and a B1 takes just over 2 liters. The way I see it - an outdrive is $4000 to $7000, so I get the best synthetic I can find for it. Hence, the TORCO.

If the level goes down, there is a leak. I had one at the coupler/bulkhead fitting in the transom assembly. Leaks can be anywhere from the bottle clear back through the seals in the outdrive itself.

 

[kiethco]

Thanks Beer30, I didn't know what a good lube to use was. I was actually asking if it consumed oil with regular use and you answered both questions. The stock reservior was leaking a bit as the seal around the bottom was deteriorating so I had them replace it. I'm glad it has a reservior, I agree, it's cheap insurance for a spendy part.