Bellow Replacement

[Jmunk]

I have a new to me boat that I want to catch up on maintenance. The boat is a 2005 and appears to have the original bellows. I can see some cracking starting in the u-joint bellow with the drive fully up.

I’m going to order a OEM bellows kit for a Alpha 1 Gen 2. I was also going to order a lower shift cable kit, bellows adhesive, and exhaust tube. If anyone has any reasons why I should use the exhaust bellow vs exhaust tube please let me know. I was going to use the exhaust tube for ease of installation.

The trim gauge on the dash reads 3/4 up with the drive all the way down. I went to loosen the screws on the trim sender to adjust but they seemed frozen. I gave them a few hits with my impact driver and I stopped and hit them with penetrating oil to soak. Is it recommended to change the trim senders during the bellows replacement if they are working? Not sure of the failure rate.

It looks like I could used Power Tune on the u-joint bellow retainer sleeve and press in by hand vs using a driver to install? I have an alignment tool but do not have the retainer sleeve installation piece.
Just trying to order everything that I will need to get it done in one shot.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I like quiet.

I hate having to yell at the wife to be heard, and then not understanding a word she says.

 

[Bt Doctur]

the tube is only slightly more noticable but you dont have to shout to talk

 

[nola mike]

I have a tube on mine, didn't notice a difference in noise.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I would replace the trim sender and trim limit while doing the bellows, especially if yours are resisting adjustment. Now is the time to do it...

Also, Power Tune makes it SO easy to install the retainer sleeve on the u-joint bellows. I can't imagine doing it any other way. It literally slides on with just a bit of finger pressure when you use Power Tune.

 

[Scott06]

I have a new to me boat that I want to catch up on maintenance. The boat is a 2005 and appears to have the original bellows. I can see some cracking starting in the u-joint bellow with the drive fully up.

I’m going to order a OEM bellows kit for a Alpha 1 Gen 2. I was also going to order a lower shift cable kit, bellows adhesive, and exhaust tube. If anyone has any reasons why I should use the exhaust bellow vs exhaust tube please let me know. I was going to use the exhaust tube for ease of installation.

The trim gauge on the dash reads 3/4 up with the drive all the way down. I went to loosen the screws on the trim sender to adjust but they seemed frozen. I gave them a few hits with my impact driver and I stopped and hit them with penetrating oil to soak. Is it recommended to change the trim senders during the bellows replacement if they are working? Not sure of the failure rate.

It looks like I could used Power Tune on the u-joint bellow retainer sleeve and press in by hand vs using a driver to install? I have an alignment tool but do not have the retainer sleeve installation piece.
Just trying to order everything that I will need to get it done in one shot.

Did you get the tool to remove the hinge pins? Also I think you need the shift cable tool as well to remove shift cable from bellhousing.

Might be worth doing the shift cable if yours it not smooth and also the seals on the shift shaft in bellhousing can leak water into bellhousing if they are worn

 

[tpenfield]

+1 for the tube - it is not going to be a noticeable difference

Get the tool for the retainer ring installation

Have the Mercruiser Alpha outdrive manual handy and follow it closely for the bellow installation. The penalty of failure is quite high.

 

[Jmunk]

Thanks for the advise. I do have the shift cable kit on the list and a manual in the mail (I prefer a hard copy). For the extra $130ish I will change out the trim senders.

I have a friend who has the hinge pin tool. For the shift cable could I use a spark plug socket and wrench on the end or should I just buy the special socket?

I was going with all OEM parts unless someone has another other input.

 

[Scott06]

Thanks for the advise. I do have the shift cable kit on the list and a manual in the mail (I prefer a hard copy). For the extra $130ish I will change out the trim senders.

I have a friend who has the hinge pin tool. For the shift cable could I use a spark plug socket and wrench on the end or should I just buy the special socket?

I was going with all OEM parts unless someone has another other input.

All OEM is best. I can't confirm if a spark plug socket will work, havent tried it

 

[todhunter]

Thanks for the advise. I do have the shift cable kit on the list and a manual in the mail (I prefer a hard copy). For the extra $130ish I will change out the trim senders.

I have a friend who has the hinge pin tool. For the shift cable could I use a spark plug socket and wrench on the end or should I just buy the special socket?

I was going with all OEM parts unless someone has another other input.

No need to buy the expensive Mercruiser tool if you have (or can buy) an extra deep well 9/16" socket. Here is the one I bought. If you get this one, just be sure to pull out the rubber insert.

 

[nola mike]

Thanks for the advise. I do have the shift cable kit on the list and a manual in the mail (I prefer a hard copy). For the extra $130ish I will change out the trim senders.

I have a friend who has the hinge pin tool. For the shift cable could I use a spark plug socket and wrench on the end or should I just buy the special socket?

I was going with all OEM parts unless someone has another other input.

I have a regular socket that I use. Really only issue is getting the old one off, and if you cut the cable then a normal socket bites well.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I used a 9/16 deep-socket, too and it was fine.

Even with the hinge pin tool, those suckers were hard to get out. A bit of persuasion with a propane torch helped. I think the heat helps loosen up the thread locker.

 

[Griff Thomasson]

Use only quicksilver transom seal kit !!! I used OEM off amazon and it failed second season Big difference in price but the difference in quality is worth it !! I learned the hard way !!

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... I'm a believer in Power Tune, for installin' 'bout any tight fittin' rubber things,......
Sometimes works Great with takin' apart rubber things too,.....

The extended 9/16" socket is no long needed,.... a standard 9/16" deep works just fine, 6-point maybe over a 12-point,... or not,...
The white plastic piece that gets in the way, is unscrewed, 'n removed til after installation of the outer housin',.....