Bellows replacement

[mmajor97]

I was wondering how hard it is to replace the bellows in a mercruiser alpha one drive? I am moderately mechanical and somewhat patient. Is this something I should let the pros do or would you recommend I try it myself? Will I need to purchase a bunch if special tools?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Bellows replacement

You need the bellows, some bellows glue, and a pivot pin tool, or 1/2" allen wrench.
May as well check the alignment and do the gimbel bearing at the same time.
For that you will need an alignment tool and a gimblel puller and installer. Do a search and you can find what others use for those.
As for the difficulty, its not to hard should take the better part of the day the first time.

Good luck and read the manual before you start.

 

[mmajor97]

Re: Bellows replacement

Does not sound too bad I guess, I already have the drive off so I figured what the heck. I already have an alignment tool so I guess now its time to go shopping for the rest. Any pointers on the cheapest place online to get the parts I need?

 

[duped]

Re: Bellows replacement

Would also reccomend replacing the lower shift cable while you are in there. I buy everything from eBay. Be sure to get an OEM mercruiser shift cable if you choose to replace it. You will also need a new gasket for the drive, and remember to grease the u joints too.

Also you don't technically need to pull the bell housing, I do the bellows without. But if you have big hands that probobly won't work for you.

 

[heatseaker1]

Re: Bellows replacement

I did mine recently, took me 2 afternoons or so. you can fabricate a bellow expansion tool of you are handy and have the material. I made mine out of a large flat washer (about 2 1/2" diameter) and some 1/2" square tubing. I cut the washer in half, welded each half to a 16" length of aforementioned tube. hinged it in the middle with a machine screw. Worked rather well.

I also suggest replacing the lower shift cable. I didn't but should have. now I am regretting it because it is binding a little more.

If you have problems getting the hinge pins out apply heat from a propane torch. I used a 1/2" allen socket on mine and it had real good grab.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Bellows replacement

You won't need a gimbal puller as long as the carrier slots are facing the drive. Takes a few seconds to pop out the bearing and install the new one in the carrier.

It's cheaper and far easier to replace the exhaust bellows with an exhaust tube. Installing the bellows requires a special tool, usually around $45, or you'll have to fabricate one. How much $$ is your time worth?

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Bellows replacement

You'd also be smart to watch the you-tube video of how to do the bellows. It cuts through a lot of the "read & do" stuff. When you go to put the bellows clamps back on you need a long skinny straight screwdriver for the top of the exhaust bellows, and you need a 1/4" drive spring type flex extension to tighten the starboard side drive bellows clamp onto the transom assembly. You can get the flex drive at Sears instead of from Snap On. Believe me that's the smartest 8 or 10 bucks you will ever spend.
Aside from that follow the instructions. There are some good ones around.

 

[sixman]

Re: Bellows replacement

I see a bunch of you tube vids on removing the drive & bellows but nothing about installing - any ones you can recommend?

 

[davemoore]

Re: Bellows replacement

This is a good thread, since I need to do the same thing this fall.

I found a kit here on iBoats that has all 3 bellows, seals, gaskets, etc. to do the job, but I'm curious about using aftermarket products. It's a Sierra product. http://www.iboats.com/Transom-Seal-...5600517--**********.591834056--view_id.172480

Also, I found some on eBay for quite a bit less, but they don't tell you what the brand is... makes me nervous.

I watched some of the YouTube videos and they were very helpful in showing what to expect once you pull the drive.

So am I safe using the Sierra product, or should I try to get original Mercruiser parts?

 

[AZSeville]

Re: Bellows replacement

It's not a very fun job.......it actually sucks!

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Bellows replacement

So am I safe using the Sierra product, or should I try to get original Mercruiser parts?

Your call. Some insist on Merc factory parts only, and have reported issues with aftermarket, and others have reported success with aftermarket.
Maybe seeing the difference in cost would help you decide?

 

[knightowl]

Re: Bellows replacement

The dealer never installed a exhaust bellow on my exhaust. Is that required?

play at 3:35

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeFw2_jjAIA&feature=related