Bellows sleeve install

[tomalt]

I know this has been talked about before from reading the posts but never really in detail.
This is the second gen 2 bellows that I'm trying to install, the first was without the sleeve install tool. That was a 3 hour job so this time I purchased the sleeve install tool. Well I have to tell you this doesn't seem to help make the job any easier. What the flim flam is the trick when using this tool. I'm inserting the nylon tool into the sleeve with my engine alignment tool through the center so it can be struck in with a mallet. All that happens is the sleeve keeps pushing the bellows out of the bellhousing.
I've noticed the sleeve OD is larger then the ID of the bellows hense the reason it pushes the bellows out of the bell housing. So what is the trick to using this tool correctly without pushing the bellows out in the process?
I think the guy that engineered this sleeve concept would have put a larger lead-in on the sleeve to make it easier to install.

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Bellows sleeve install

I made that tool out of plywood and it works perfect. Just put some Merc "Power Tuner" on the bellows and the sleeve and it slides on so easy that you actually have to hold it in the bellows for 15 to 30 seconds so it doesn't just pop back out.

 

[tomalt]

Re: Bellows sleeve install

Don,

Is it normal though that the sleeve OD is so much larger then the ID of the bellows?

Tom

 

[boatguya1]

Re: Bellows sleeve install

Aftermarket or Merc bellows? Are you sure it's seated on the lip correctly?
I use soapy water and most of the time they pop right in. Every now and then I get one that is a problem and I'm not sure why.
James

 

[tomalt]

Re: Bellows sleeve install

It is a Sierra bellows, yes the bellows is all the way seated in the groove.

 

[boatguya1]

Re: Bellows sleeve install

I'm a big fan of original equip bellows, but you got to work with what you got. Try angling it in a little to start it on one side and then work it back straight. Like I said every now and then I get one that is a b**ch.

James

 

[tomalt]

Re: Bellows sleeve install

This one sure is a B**ch, its suppose to rain all day tomorrow so maybe I will take a drive to find some of the Merc power tune spray.
Replacing the steering pin and gimble ring was the easy part of this job. All of that fit like a glove, who would have thought.

 

[Nutjob]

Re: Bellows sleeve install

Laugh all you want... but I found that a metal coffee can is the perfect diameter to install the ring... I used soap and water in a spray bottle... and the coffee can. It popped right in with little effort...