When do you change the bellows?

hostage · May 20, 2010

I was looking at a boat yesterday and the bellows were intact, no tears in them, but it looked like there were cracks between the folds, kind of like dry skin looking.

Thanks for your input,
Doron

Don S · May 20, 2010

Re: When do you change the bellows?

Rule of thumb for Mercruiser. Replace after 5 years.

Gary H NC · May 20, 2010

Re: When do you change the bellows?

Just from the looks of that picture those are WAY over due to be replaced.

ziggy · May 20, 2010

Re: When do you change the bellows?

in your case, it's been to long and your on borrowed time. those could spring a leak any day now. leaking bellows can sink a boat. time to find out how much fun it is to replace them i'd think.

180shabah · May 20, 2010

Re: When do you change the bellows?

When do you change the bellows?

before they look like the ones you posted. Cheap little rubber boot gets real expensive if it ruptures.

45Auto · May 20, 2010

Re: When do you change the bellows?

If you're thinking about buying that boat you had better pull the outdrive and check the condition of the u-joints, gimbal bearing, and input shaft. I wouldn't be surprised to find it full of water. No way to tell from the outside if the bellows is leaking or not, all it takes is one little crack that goes all the way through - and that one has plenty of possibilities!

ziggy · May 20, 2010

Re: When do you change the bellows?

after looking at the pic for a bit. i'm gonna go out on a limb and say i think it's a pic of exhaust bellows. if so, they are much less critical and if the rip it won't sink your boat.

it is a still a red flag to be checking all the bellows though. back to Don S' 5 year interval.

hostage · May 20, 2010

Re: When do you change the bellows?

It was the biggest rubber tube there. I don't think the other ones were in as bad shape.

Fishermark · May 20, 2010

Re: When do you change the bellows?

hostage said:
It was the biggest rubber tube there. I don't think the other ones were in as bad shape.

Are you sure the picture you posted was the largest bellows? It sure looks like the exhaust bellows to me, which is the large bellows underneath the even larger bellows.

It is not uncommon for someone to replace the drive bellows and not the exhaust bellows, because, as mentioned above, it is not that big a deal.

But yes - if you are thinking of buying a boat, I too would suggest pulling the drive if the seller will let you and taking a look. Then replace the bellows if you are unsure of their condition.

hostage · May 20, 2010

Re: When do you change the bellows?

yeah, I was looking at some youtube videos and i saw it is the exhaust bellows.

hostage · May 20, 2010

Re: When do you change the bellows?

I went back to check the bellows out on the boat and I even was able to speak to the mechanic. He said he replaced the exhaust bellows about 5 years ago and never did any other bellows. Oddly enough it looks like the other bellows are in much better condition.

bruceb58 · May 20, 2010

Re: When do you change the bellows?

If you do buy the boat, I would replace both. I would do as others suggested and have the drive pulled to see if there is water in the bellows though.

If the drive was stored up all the time, that puts more strain on them. That may be why the exhaust bellows is so cracked.

When do you change the bellows?

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