1989 Four Winns Carrara Mercruiser Alpha 1 Bellows/Gimble Replacment

[candiaoh]

I was planning on an off-season routine bellows/gimble (if necessary) service. I purchased the boat last year and PO was not sure when it was last done.

I just received a quote from a local outfit that estimates $1200 to $1500 parts and labor. Their labor fee is $135/hr. Is this what I should expect for this type of job?

I am also considering tackling this on my own. I am relatively mechanically inclined but have not done this before and prefer not to sink my boat by my own doing. I have seen some posts that reference a manual that could be available here. Is it possible to get a link to it? I have done a few searches thinking there would be countless videos on the subject but there are relatively few. Most of them are specific hacks, which I appreciate, but I am trying to get a feel for the complexity and expected time to do the job.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[alldodge]

Bellows replacement is not that hard and there is all kinds of how to's in the stickes. Also many folks here will help out

So far as the $135/hr, just look at it as the going rate in your area. Dealer needs X dollars /hr to pay everyone and keep shop. Just is what it is

OEM Bellows kit maybe $200 or so, the rest is labor.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Im going to echo AllDodge here.... Doing the bellows is not a terribly hard job to do, but you DO need a bit of skill, and one or two specialized tools. Removing the drive is a heavy proposition, and getting the clamps off the bellows can be tricky, depending on how the bands are clocked giving access to loosen them.

Your shop is asking for essentially between 7-10 hours labor to do the job, which, for a first timer isnt out of the realm of possibility. Is your time worth that, or are you an extreme DIY type and want to learn how to do it and save a few bucks. Only you can answer that, but should you decide to tackle the job, there are a fair few of us here that have done it, and can walk you through any sticky parts.

what you may want to do, is tell us what exactly the shop is quoting doing for that price. If they are also replacing your impeller and gimbal bearing while in there (often part of the job when a DIY does it) then its a bit more in parts than just the bellows kit.

 

[Lou C]

You need some special tools like an outdrive rack and the gimble bearing remover/installer & alignment tool. I did my Cobra a few years ago and it was pretty easy; the OE bellows lasts approx 10 years on these. I change the bellows when they show small cracks starting, the rubber gets hard & stiff or there is any sign of water or corrosion inside.
The the bellows is dry inside with no cracks starting and it is still flexible it’s ok still. If this is the case & the gimble bearing turns smooth & ujoints are not stiff or loose, I would check the alignment & re install the drive. My gimble was last changed in 2005, the ujoints are original & the bellows gets changed based on condition. Works for me 21 years in salt water. But; I do pull the drive to check EVERY YEAR.

PS start to finish replace just the bellows the first time took me about 3 hrs taking my time….
It all depends on how easily things come apart…

 

[candiaoh]

Thank you all, I will check out the stickies as I weigh tackling this myself or not. I will definitely post back.

 

[candiaoh]

So I was hunting around a bit and thinking about getting a Mercruiser Shop Manual- not one of the Clymer ones but rather OEM. Is there one available here on Iboats? If not I will hunt around on ebay for a hard copy or see about getting a digital copy.

 

[flashback]

This new to you boat should have all the soft parts replaced along with the lower shift cable and gimbal bearing so you can establish a base line..

 

[alldodge]

You want manual 6

 

[Scott06]

Thank you all, I will check out the stickies as I weigh tackling this myself or not. I will definitely post back.

I did mine last year gen two but basically same stuff. I made a couple self inflicted errors (shift cable and trim sender/limit) that stretched it out but did it over two weekends. If you are comfortable doing work like this its no big deal. I think the Oem kit at that time was closer to $300, but my bellows were original to the boat that was 18 years old. So use the oem parts and you wont touch it again. I would inspect yours as my driveshaft bellows was just starting to chafe on the outside where it rubbed the gimbal ring.

also think the price you were quoted was about right. Certainly not on the cheap side but not out of line if u go to a dealer

 

[Cruize]

I am currently doing my gen 2 for the first time, at a snail's pace. I just read about a plastic retainer for the shift cable on the forum that I did not see in the shop manual. Hopefully I can get that removed tomorrow and start putting everything back together.

My local shop used to let customers take things apart ahead of time to reduce shop time and save money. You may want to see if your shop will complete the job and at a reduced rate if you decide to stop partway.