Deciding if i should try bellows replacement myself.

[scipper77]

Mercruiser MCM185 (3.8 liter 229 cid) with alpha I gen 1 circa 1985.

The last time I took my boat out I turned on the bildge pump and lots of water came out, maybe a gallon or two. My boat never takes on water, usually a teaspoon full of water comes out when I pull the plug. An inspection of the bellows leads me to believe that the bellows directly above the shift bellows is the culprit.

I am interested in learning how to do this job myself. It looks like o could do it myself for around $300 which would include a transom bellows kit with gimbal bearing, the bellows tool and an alignment tool. I haven't gotten a quote but I'm under the impression that to pay to have it done I'm looking at at least $500.

Is this a job that a total novice can get through with just written instructions and/or a manual? I am worried I might get on over my head and have the boat out of service for weeks.

Any advice tips or opinions of what I need to do would be GREATLY appreciated. Things like how long this job takes, what else to check while I am in there (like u_joint).

 

[Pete104]

Re: Deciding if i should try bellows replacement myself.

As long as your there, do the trim harnesses as well.
Did any of the kits you looked at include a new shift cable?
If your getting water in the bilge from the u-joint bellows & the kit you are going to use comes with a gimbal bearing, U-joints are automatic.
Whatever labor rate is in your area. 8hrs

 

[scipper77]

Re: Deciding if i should try bellows replacement myself.

8 hrs. Sounds like I'm spending more than 500.

 

[Pete104]

Re: Deciding if i should try bellows replacement myself.

It's a good days work, even without interuption!

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Deciding if i should try bellows replacement myself.

There is nothing that should be too difficult. I would go with the OEM driveshaft bellows. and if your exhaust bellows is in good shape I would re-use it (save some money and a lot easier to get on too). Good luck.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Deciding if i should try bellows replacement myself.

It's a simple job. The manual goes through it step by step.

Takes a little over an hour on a well maintained boat. If the boats been neglected for a while until it showed a visible lesk, no telling what you'll find. Lots of potential for corroded bolts, lower shift cable, gimbal housing, and transom shield problems. It probably had a slight leak for a long time before it got bad enough to start dumping water into the boat. Don't be surprised to find rusted u-joints, a rusted outdrive input shaft, and a bad outdrive upper seal.

A 1/4" drive 5/16 socket, several different extensions, u-joints, and flex couplers make it much easier to get all the hose clamps tightened correctly.

Brake cleaner or acetone will clean off the old bellows adhesive.

Your 1985 gimbal housing will have the original small shift shaft seal if it hasn't been changed. If it's original, upgrade it to the kit with the big seals.

The exhaust bellows will take 2 minutes to attach to the gimbal housing if you have an exhaust bellows tool. Without one, it will easily take several hours (if you can get it installed correctly at all).

You'll need an alignment tool.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Deciding if i should try bellows replacement myself.

The exhaust bellows will take 2 minutes to attach to the gimbal housing if you have an exhaust bellows tool. Without one, it will easily take several hours (if you can get it installed correctly at all).

The only thing I would add is not to worry about the exhaust bellows at all. You can reuse it unless it is completely falling apart. If you reuse the old exhaust bellows it will probalby go back on easily as it is already shaped and stretched as needed.

But I agree that if you are mechanically inclined at all, it is not a terribly difficult job... just some hassles with close and tight quarters getting to all of the clamps.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Deciding if i should try bellows replacement myself.

It's a simple job. The manual goes through it step by step.

Takes a little over an hour on a well maintained boat.

Lol, I,m the kind of guy that will spend an hour laying out the parts any getting out the tools, and another 30 minutes going over what I need to do.

Anyhow, thank you for the advice. I'm sure it will take me a couple days if I try it myself. Hopefully the second time will be more like a half day.

Has anyone paid to have this done? How much if I go that rout?

 

[Galaxyman]

Re: Deciding if i should try bellows replacement myself.

It's not that bad. I did it last year and did it in a good days worth of work(approx 8 hrs). You will need a friend to help as it is always good to have four eyes rather than two.