Corrosion/pitting on bell housing bellows surface and shift cable threads.

[cecho]

I'm getting ready to button things up and install the new shift cable and bellows. While cleaning the bell housing thoroughly I found two problems.


Bellows Surface:
This is the bottom of the bell housing bellows "seat" where the water was sitting. Is this going to pose a problem? Should I try to sand it out or will the bellows adhesive take care of the problem?

(It looks like the surface of the moon. Taking an image in the dark with a light seemed to work best.)



Shift Cable Threads:
Judging by the corrosion, I think this is where the water came in from. There was no sealant on the shift cable threads when I pulled it out. I've cleaned it up with carb cleaner. Will Permatex #3 Aviation Gasket Maker be able to seal this up?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Corrosion/pitting on bell housing bellows surface and shift cable threads.


There shouldn't be any sealer on the threads.It's a plug with tapered fittings.
On the older Mercruiser's gaskest and sealing has never been that great.
The shift shaft if it's not been changed over to the new type seal can leak.
#5 needs a new type seal. The new has a bigger heatsink. Post a pic of your old?
If it's really a loose fit you might need a new bellhousing?

 

[cecho]

Re: Corrosion/pitting on bell housing bellows surface and shift cable threads.

I installed the new version of number 5 a few days ago. The shift cable I pulled out of there was of the new style and was installed from the aft. The manual I have told me to use perfect seal on the threads and was describing installing the new type shift cable. I'll check the manual again in a minute, I've read how trio do this job from about 6 different sources so maybe I've mixed something up. Lol

 

[Don S]

Re: Corrosion/pitting on bell housing bellows surface and shift cable threads.

The permatex #3 will work fine to replace perfect seal



Bushings and seal 6,7,and 8 in the picture below is the shift shaft bushings and seal jerry is referring to.

 

[cecho]

Re: Corrosion/pitting on bell housing bellows surface and shift cable threads.

The permatex #3 will work fine to replace perfect seal

View attachment 185867

Thanks! That's what I read. I didn't see an signs of perfect seal and I think that's where the water may have come in. Permatex #3 is some really good stuff, but I was worried with the current state of the threads that the sealant would not work.

Bushings and seal 6,7,and 8 in the picture below is the shift shaft bushings and seal jerry is referring to.

View attachment 185868

Those have been upgraded to the new style. The top bushing is huge and has an integrated seal.

 

[cecho]

Re: Corrosion/pitting on bell housing bellows surface and shift cable threads.

I've got the shift cable in with 2 (almost 3) threads showing, but it sure seems to be sticking out quite a bit. I can't get in on any tighter with the tool I'm using. Should I just get the tool and redo the job to get it in all the way or is that going to do it?

 

[Don S]

Re: Corrosion/pitting on bell housing bellows surface and shift cable threads.

From the looks of the corrosion pits, it's probably fine with one extra thread showing.

 

[cecho]

Re: Corrosion/pitting on bell housing bellows surface and shift cable threads.

Thanks, I'll be getting the tool any way for the next time I need to replace the shift cable. I'd like to check the bellows for water intrusion after my first time out. I have 3 gasket sets so I might as well put them to use.

 

[achris]

Re: Corrosion/pitting on bell housing bellows surface and shift cable threads.

Make sure you clean the threads with a tap BEFORE you put the cable in... And the tap is a special. It's straight, not tapered.

Chris.....