Exhaust tube vs. exhaust bellows

[90stingray]

Wondering if anyone has run the exhaust tube instead of the exhaust bellows? And what the pros and cons of each would be. Is it too noisy? I have a 4.3 v6 and alpha one. Bellows are getting a little cracked out... just trying to plan ahead when it comes time to change. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Exhaust tube vs. exhaust bellows

Bellows harder to install.The tube is all that's necessary.The difference in noise? Never noticed any.J

 

[90stingray]

Re: Exhaust tube vs. exhaust bellows

So everyone likes the tube better than the bellows?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Exhaust tube vs. exhaust bellows

Way easier to install and they don't pop off and block the exhaust.J

 

[90stingray]

Re: Exhaust tube vs. exhaust bellows

Jerry are you the only one that runs the tube? Seems no one else wants to let me know what they prefer. Thanks for the input though.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Exhaust tube vs. exhaust bellows

I am watching this thread with great interest.

 

[Don S]

Re: Exhaust tube vs. exhaust bellows

Seems no one else wants to let me know what they prefer.

What is the difference what others do, it's your boat.

The tube is NOT an OEM item, not even listed in the Mercruiser parts list for anything but the 454 Magnum and the Jackshaft models, and that was only to prevent excess back pressure in the exhaust on the big engines and the longer exhaust in the boats with a Jackshaft.
The tube is basically a DIYer method of getting around doing the job the way it should be done and without buying the special tool.
Will everything work with the tube, yeah, will it be a bit louder, yeah. You can even leave the bellows and the tube both off and it will still work.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Exhaust tube vs. exhaust bellows

That's cool... if the tube is just a shortcut, then I will use the bellows. I was just wanting peoples opinions of what they think is best. Or what they prefer. Isn't that what the forum is for?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Exhaust tube vs. exhaust bellows

I had the tube on my last I/O To me it was easier to install.As far as running I did a lot of slow trolling in Mi.for Walleyes.A bit louder sometimes but going slow with the drive down it really didn't matter.
I'd put another on any boat I buy.J

 

[trumanlake]

Re: Exhaust tube vs. exhaust bellows

Installed the tube last season, and within a week pulled it out to change back to the bellows. Did not care for the added noise/rumble. So much more relaxing.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Exhaust tube vs. exhaust bellows

You can even leave the bellows and the tube both off and it will still work.

Yeah. My previous engine (OMG 460 King Kobra) ran for about 15 years with NO exhaust bellows.

I also had "Capts Call" and "thru-hull" straight exhaust installed.

The thru-hull was way too loud.

But when switched "thru-prop" (really, "thru-transom-mount) exhaust with no bellows wasn't all that bad at all. Maybe not as quiet as with a bellows but I don't think anyone noticed........it was pretty quiet......


ymmv.........




Rick