Bellows Sealant

[letsgo19]

Is there anything you can "safely" coat bellows with that would slow down deterioration due to elements?Maybe a silicon spray etc...?

 

[45Auto]

Re: Bellows Sealant

You can try it and hope it works.

A u-joint bellows with a slight leak will easily trash your gimble bearing, u-joints, input shaft, and possibly your whole outdrive when the rusty input shaft takes out the upper seal and fills it with water. It can easily cost you several thousand dollars.

I figure I'll just spend 2 hours and $100 once every 5 years and replace them all before they get a chance to leak.

 

[natemoore]

Re: Bellows Sealant

Don't buy a Mallory bellows. Mine didn't last a dozen trips out onto the water. Others recommend only OEM Quicksilver. Given the PITA replacing them is, go OEM.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Bellows Sealant

mercruiser does not recommend treating the bellows with anything, they don't say you shouldn't do it - they jusy don't say anything about it

i do know that if there is gear lube present in the bellows, that can deteriorate the material over time causing it to become very soft and flexible

i personally would not use anything other than bellows adhesive on both sealing surfaces upon installation

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Bellows Sealant

I figure I'll just spend 2 hours and $100 once every 5 years and replace them all before they get a chance to leak.

A bargain.