I have a Mercury 4.3 alpha and the exhaust bellows has come loose from the stern drive unit. My guess is it has been that way for some time and gone unnoticed. I am trying to determine if its ok to run the boat like this until I get fixed or if it needs to be fixed before using it again. I don't think boat is in danger of taking on water through the exhaust bellows, but is the engine or outdrive in any danger by running it? My guess is not since I have seen after market exhaust bellows that are open on the end facing the stern drive and don't even attach.