Bravo three sterndrive question

Hello everyone,
I have a 1999 monterey 276 cruiser (454 engine) with a single Bravo three sterndrive.
I had some kind of pressure build up that caused my fill resevoir cap to pop off. All of the fluid surged out and caused my outdrive to go bad (top end).
I am in need of a replacement and wanted to know if anyone can tell me:
1) what could have caused this?
2) what the gear ratio would be?
3) where is a good place is to start looking for one?

Thanks for your help in in advance

"its not if you ever have boat problems.... it when!"

 

I guess you meant the oil monitoring reservoir.
It means that water is entering the lower gearbox through the damaged prop shaft seal, pushing the oil upwards to the reservoir. Because water is not a suitable lubricant in a Bravo-3 gearbox, the end is near....

 

CDK,
Thanks for the info. The end has certainly passed along with a $950.00 Sea Tow back in (good thing I was a member)

Do you have any idea what the gear ratio would be on this drive? I am trying to source a replacement but there are quite a few options.

Thanks

 

I am familiar with the symptoms because they occur with all Mercruiser stern drives, not with the specific details of your drive.

 

The gear ratio is on the side

 

Thanks,
It is a 2.00. Most of the markings are peeled off of it so it was a bit difficult to see.
The re-build estimate that I got was for $2700
Any recommendations to where to look for a good used one?

 

Try these guys http://www.seaboardmarina.com/