Mercury – Bearing Carrier Seal | Bravo III & Blackhawk Sterndrive Series | Marine-Grade Sealing Component | 861694

Overview

When you spend your weekends on the water, you learn quickly that the parts you never see often matter the most. A solid bearing carrier seal is one of those quiet heroes inside your drive—working constantly, keeping gear oil where it belongs, and keeping water far away from the internal components that power your boat. Mercury Marine part number 861694 is built for that exact job, and it delivers the kind of confidence every boater appreciates. Whether you’re idling through a no-wake zone at sunrise or trimming up and running your Bravo III hard across open water, it’s the kind of part that lets your sterndrive feel steady, protected, and ready for the next adventure.

Key Features

• Designed to seal the bearing carrier on MerCruiser Bravo III, Bravo III X, and Blackhawk sterndrives
• Durable, marine-engineered construction for long-lasting sealing performance
• Helps prevent water intrusion and protects internal drive components
• Manufactured to Mercury Marine OEM specifications for perfect fit and function
• Supports consistent lubrication and overall sterndrive longevity

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Compatible with MerCruiser Bravo III, Bravo III X, and Blackhawk sterndrive systems
• Suitable for single- and twin-engine sterndrive setups
• Commonly used on cruisers, bowriders, performance sport boats, and offshore-capable sterndrive vessels
• Ideal for freshwater and saltwater boating environments

Performance & Practical Benefits

A dependable bearing carrier seal doesn’t call attention to itself—but you feel its impact every time you run your boat. The 861694 creates a tight, secure barrier that keeps your gear oil sealed inside the drive where it can lubricate and protect. At the same time, it blocks water intrusion, one of the most damaging issues a sterndrive can face. When a seal is doing its job, everything runs smoother: shifting feels cleaner, vibrations are reduced, and the drive responds with more confidence at varying speeds.

You’ll appreciate how precise the fit feels during installation. It seats firmly in place with no slack or wiggle, giving you that reassuring sense of a strong, steady seal. Once installed, it withstands constant pressure, temperature changes, prop thrust, and the vibration that comes with powering a Bravo III or Blackhawk drive.

Long-term, this seal helps reduce maintenance headaches and extend the service life of internal components. Clean gear oil stays clean. Bearings stay protected. And your time on the water is spent enjoying the ride rather than troubleshooting drive issues.

Why Buy OEM

A bearing carrier seal might look simple, but the precision behind it matters. Mercury OEM parts are engineered to exact tolerances, ensuring the seal fits perfectly and performs consistently under real marine conditions. Aftermarket seals often don’t match the same material quality or tight fit, which can lead to leaks, premature wear, or major drive damage. Choosing Mercury OEM means choosing reliability, long-term protection, and the peace of mind that comes from using the correct part the first time. It’s the practical, seasoned-boater choice every time.

FAQ

Q1: Which systems does the Mercury 861694 Bearing Carrier Seal fit?

It fits MerCruiser Bravo III, Bravo III X, and Blackhawk sterndrives.

Q2: What makes this seal better than aftermarket options?

It’s produced to Mercury Marine’s OEM specifications, ensuring precise fit, superior materials, and dependable long-term sealing.

Q3: How do I know if this is the right replacement?

Check your drive’s parts list or service manual. If it calls for part number 861694, this is the correct seal.

Q4: Can this seal be used in both saltwater and freshwater?

Yes—its marine-grade materials provide reliable sealing in both environments.

Q5: Is installation straightforward?

Installation is manageable for experienced DIYers, but many boaters prefer a technician due to the precision required.