Can oil damage bellows?

[babikov]

I replaced all the bellows last year and thought that I am done with my outdrive for a while, but this year I found some gear case oil in the bilge... I removed the outdrive and found plenty of the gear case oil in the bellows too. Looks like I need to replace the upper gear case seal, which I plan to do soon (waiting for the retainer removal tool coming in the mail).

I wiped the oil, and will keep the paper towels in the bellows overnight to absorb as much oil as possible, but some will probably stay, since the bellows has that spring in it (to keep its shape?), and it is nearly impossible to wipe it clean. My question: is this OK to leave a thin amount of oil inside the rubber bellows? I heard one day that oil will damage the rubber. Is that true? Oil is always used on the rubber. I had this problem for few weeks, may be a month before I decided to take it apart. So, this was not too long.

If the oil is no-no on the bellows, should I clean it with some solvent?? What solvent? Should I try to remove that spring? Then, will I be able to put it back?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
D.B.

 

[alldodge]

Grease and oil in the bellows is of no issue to the bellows

 

[achris]

I replaced all the bellows last year and thought that I am done with my outdrive for a while, but this year I found some gear case oil in the bilge... I removed the outdrive and found plenty of the gear case oil in the bellows too. Looks like I need to replace the upper gear case seal, which I plan to do soon (waiting for the retainer removal tool coming in the mail).

Sounds like it. Also be ready to order a speedi-sleeve for the yoke seal surface. That's probably why the seal's leaking, groove worn in the yoke.

I wiped the oil, and will keep the paper towels in the bellows overnight to absorb as much oil as possible, but some will probably stay, since the bellows has that spring in it (to keep its shape?), and it is nearly impossible to wipe it clean. My question: is this OK to leave a thin amount of oil inside the rubber bellows?

No problem with oil in the bellows.

I heard one day that oil will damage the rubber. Is that true? Oil is always used on the rubber. I had this problem for few weeks, may be a month before I decided to take it apart. So, this was not too long.

Oil will not damage the bellows, doesn't matter for how long.

If the oil is no-no on the bellows, should I clean it with some solvent?? What solvent? Should I try to remove that spring? Then, will I be able to put it back?

Do not use a solvent on the bellows. Do not remove the spring, you'll never get it back in.

Chris....

 

[Bondo]

I wiped the oil,

Ayuh,.... As noted above, That's fine,....

Now fix the leakin' seal in yer drive,....

 

[muc]

Oil in the bellows can wash the grease out of the gimbal bearing. Might be a good idea to grease it.

 

[babikov]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I will just wipe the oil, and grease well the bearing. Couple related questions:

1. What is the "speedi-sleeve", do I really need it? Part number? What size? Isn't it enough to polish the yoke slightly?

2. I start thinking what might have damaged the seal?? I saw in another post that the bearing should have two vent holes, but I cant see any holes on my bearing. What if the bearing is packed well, and the drive is lifted and lowered, where does the air go?? Could it be that this compressed air broke the seal?? And will break another one?? or even the bellows?? May be this is paranoid, but now I start thinking that all these problems (with bellows last year, and with the seal this year) started after I decided to grease the bearing well. Just a thought.

Any comments? Thanks.

 

[achris]

1. Speedi-sleeve You'll need to measure the shaft before you order the sleeve. It's in the order of 2-1/4". I don't have a drive apart at the moment, so can't get an exact measurement for you. There is a look-up table on their site.

2. Pressure test the drive when you're finished re-sealing (I would do all selas in the top box). Fill the drive from the bottom up. Bolt the drive to the bell-housing, leave the paranoia at home, go boating..

 

[Alumarine]

If the yoke surface is smooth without any groove(s) at all, you won't need the speedi sleeve.
Make sure there isn't one on there already.