1. Boat Outboard Engines To Buy
  2. sku: 23913036031703731
  3. MERCRUISER 23-8M0046302

MERCRUISER 23-8M0046302 Spacer Drive Shaft Mercrusier Bravo 745061743212 23-8M8000506

23-8m8000506 Mercruiser 23-8m0046302 Spacer Drive Shaft Mercrusier Bravo I Ii Iii

( Brand: Mercruiser ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 23-8M0046302 ), ( Part Type: Spacer Driveshaft ), ( Country Of Origin: United States ), ( UPC: 745061743212 )

Review MERCRUISER Spacer Drive Shaft Mercrusier Bravo

The **Mercruiser 23-8M0046302 / 23-8M8000506 Spacer Drive Shaft** is a precision-engineered component designed exclusively for the **Mercruiser Bravo series**, specifically tailored to accommodate the unique spacing requirements of certain 23-foot models equipped with the **8.0L V8 engine**. This high-quality drive shaft spacer serves as a critical link between the transmission and the propeller, ensuring optimal power transfer while maintaining proper alignment and reducing stress on the drivetrain. Crafted from durable, corrosion-resistant materials, this spacer is built to withstand the demanding conditions of marine environments, including exposure to saltwater, humidity, and constant vibration. Its robust construction minimizes wear and tear on the transmission housing and propeller shaft, extending the lifespan of these vital components. The spacer is engineered to fit seamlessly within the Bravo s drivetrain configuration, allowing for smooth operation and efficient power delivery, whether cruising at leisure or navigating through rough waters. Whether replacing a worn or damaged spacer or upgrading for enhanced performance, this part is an essential upgrade for maintaining the reliability and performance of your Mercruiser Bravo s drivetrain system.

### **Pros and Cons of Buying a Mercruiser 23-8M0046302 (23-8M8000506 Spacer Drive Shaft for Mercruiser Bravo)**

#### **Overview**

The **Mercruiser 23-8M0046302** is a drive shaft spacer specifically designed for **Mercruiser Bravo outboard engines** (particularly the 8-cylinder models). This part is critical for maintaining proper drive shaft alignment, reducing vibration, and ensuring smooth power transfer from the engine to the propeller. Below is a detailed breakdown of its advantages and potential drawbacks.

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### **Pros**

1. **Compatibility and Fit**

- The **23-8M0046302** is a **direct replacement** for the original Mercruiser Bravo drive shaft spacer, ensuring an exact fit without modifications.

- Designed specifically for **Mercruiser Bravo 8-cylinder engines**, reducing the risk of misalignment issues that can cause premature wear or failure.

- Works with **Mercruiser Bravo models** (e.g., Bravo 275, Bravo 300, Bravo 350) that require this exact spacer length.

2. **Improved Performance and Efficiency**

- A properly aligned drive shaft **reduces vibration**, leading to smoother operation and less strain on the engine and transmission.

- Correct spacing prevents **excessive flexing**, which can cause premature wear on universal joints, bearings, and the propeller shaft.

- Helps maintain **optimal torque transfer**, ensuring the engine delivers power efficiently to the propeller.

3. **Durability and Quality**

- Mercruiser parts are built to **industry standards**, using high-quality materials that resist corrosion and wear over time.

- The spacer is **heat-treated and balanced**, reducing the risk of failure due to fatigue or misalignment.

- Designed to **extend the lifespan** of the drive shaft assembly by preventing unnecessary stress.

4. **Easy Installation**

- Requires **minimal tools** and can typically be installed in **under an hour** with basic mechanical knowledge.

- Comes with **clear installation instructions** (though always refer to the manufacturer s guide for your specific model).

- Replacement is often **less expensive** than repairing damage caused by a worn or incorrect spacer.

5. **Prevents Costly Repairs**

- A failing or improperly sized spacer can lead to **severe drive shaft damage**, transmission issues, or even **engine failure** if the shaft snaps.

- Replacing it proactively is **far cheaper** than dealing with **universal joint failure, bearing replacement, or propeller shaft repair**.

6. **Warranty and Support**

- Purchasing from an **authorized Mercruiser dealer or reputable marine parts supplier** ensures **warranty coverage** against defects.

- Mercruiser s customer support can provide **technical assistance** if installation issues arise.

---

### **Cons**

1. **Cost Consideration**

- While not excessively expensive, the **price may be a deterrent** for budget-conscious boat owners, especially if they are unsure whether the spacer is the root cause of their issues.

- If the boat has **other underlying problems** (e.g., worn bearings, misaligned stern tube), replacing just the spacer may not fully resolve vibration or performance issues.

2. **Potential Misdiagnosis**

- If the **vibration or noise** is caused by something other than the spacer (e.g., **bent shaft, worn bearings, propeller imbalance, or transmission issues**), replacing just the spacer may not fix the problem.

- Requires **diagnostic work** (e.g., checking for bent shafts, inspecting universal joints, balancing the propeller) to ensure the spacer is indeed the issue.

3. **Installation Challenges**

- Some boat owners may find the **stern tube and drive shaft assembly complex**, leading to **difficulty in installation** if not properly prepared.

- May require **removing the engine or transmission** in some cases, which can be labor-intensive for DIYers without experience.

- If the **stern tube is misaligned or corroded**, the spacer alone won t fix the issue, and additional work may be needed.

4. **Limited Lifespan (If Original Was Worn)**

- If the **original spacer was already worn or damaged**, replacing it with a new one may not provide long-term relief if other components (e.g., **universal joints, bearings**) are failing.

- In such cases, a **complete drive shaft overhaul** may be necessary.

5. **Availability and Counterfeit Parts**

- Purchasing from **unauthorized sellers** (e.g., eBay, Amazon, or unscrupulous marine parts stores) risks getting **counterfeit or low-quality replicas**, which can fail prematurely.

- Always buy from **authorized Mercruiser dealers, marine supply stores, or trusted online retailers** (e.g., West Marine, Sea-Doo/Mercruiser official sites).

6. **Time and Downtime**

- Replacing the spacer requires **removing the drive shaft**, which may mean **towing the boat** or **renting a lift** if the boat is too heavy to work on the dock.

- For **frequent boaters**, this downtime can be inconvenient.

---

### **Conclusion**

The **Mercruiser 23-8M0046302 drive shaft spacer** is a **critical and cost-effective maintenance item** for **Mercruiser Bravo 8-cylinder outboard installations**. Its primary benefits **improved alignment, reduced vibration, extended drive shaft life, and prevention of costly repairs** far outweigh the minor drawbacks, provided the part is **properly installed and the underlying system is in good condition**.

However, **buying it without diagnosing the root cause of vibration or noise** could lead to **wasted money** if other components are failing. Similarly, **cutting corners on installation quality** (e.g., improper torque, misalignment) can negate its benefits.

For **most boat owners experiencing drive shaft-related issues**, this spacer is a **smart, low-risk upgrade** that enhances reliability. If the boat has **multiple symptoms** (e.g., grinding noises, excessive play in the shaft, or transmission issues), a **full drive shaft inspection** should precede replacement.

---

### **Recommendation**

1. **Verify the Need**

- Before purchasing, **confirm that the spacer is the issue** by checking for:

- **Excessive vibration** (especially at higher RPMs).

- **Clunking or knocking** from the stern tube.

- **Visible wear** on the original spacer (cracks, deformation).

- If unsure, consult a **marine mechanic** for a **drive shaft alignment check**.

2. **Purchase from a Trusted Source**

- Buy the **23-8M0046302 spacer from an authorized Mercruiser dealer, West Marine, or a reputable marine parts supplier** to avoid counterfeit parts.

3. **Prepare for Installation**

- Gather the necessary tools (**socket set, torque wrench, drive shaft puller, lubricant**).

- Have a **helper** if the boat is too heavy to work on alone.

- Refer to the **Mercruiser Bravo service manual** for model-specific instructions.

4. **Consider a Full Drive Shaft Inspection**

- If the boat has **multiple symptoms**, a **complete drive shaft overhaul** (including **universal joints, bearings, and propeller alignment**) may be more cost-effective long-term.

5. **Follow Installation Best Practices**

- **Torque the spacer correctly** (check the manual for specifications).

- **Lubricate all moving parts** (universal joints, bearings) to prevent premature wear.

- **Recheck alignment** after installation to ensure smooth operation.

6. **Monitor Performance After Replacement**

- Listen for **reduced vibration and noise** if issues persist, further diagnostics may be needed.

### **Final Verdict**

**Buy the Mercruiser 23-8M0046302 spacer if:**

- Your **Mercruiser Bravo is experiencing drive shaft-related vibration or noise**.

- You ve **confirmed the spacer is worn or misaligned**.

- You re **prepared for a straightforward installation**.

**Avoid buying it if:**

- You re **not sure what s causing the problem** (get a professional diagnosis first).

- You **can t install it properly** (hire a mechanic if needed).

- The **boat has other major drive shaft or transmission issues** that need addressing.

For **most cases where the spacer is the culprit**, this is a **wise and affordable investment** that will **extend the life of your drive shaft and improve boat performance**.

Details:

23-8M8000506 23-8M0046302 Spacer Drive Shaft Mercrusier Bravo I II III.

part #: 238m0046302 price

  • $16.98

specifications ouboaen:

  • brand: Mercruiser
  • mpn: 23-8m0046302
  • part type: Spacer Driveshaft
  • country of origin: United States
  • upc: 745061743212

shipping ouboaen:

  • class: Standard
  • service: USPS Ground Advantage
  • cost: $5.62
  • transit: 3-8 Days
  • type: Calculated
  • carrier: USPS

seller ouboaen:

  • # reviews: 2431
  • city: Big Sandy, Texas
  • rating: 100.0%

offer ouboaen:

  • started: May 13, 2026
  • quantity: 2
  • sold: 0
  • options: Ship-to-home
  • availability: In Stock

returns ouboaen:

  • time: 30 Days
  • paid by: Seller
  • policy: Returns Accepted

payments ouboaen:

  • credit card: Diners-club
  • other
  • wallet: Google-pay

general ouboaen:

  • condition: New
  • Boat Parts > Outboard Engines Components > Other
part type: spacer driveshaft, country of origin: united states,
category: boat parts > outboard engines components, sku: 23913036031703731,
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