HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

[FreeBeeTony]

Durng a final check-out, I raised the outdrive all the way to check the anti-foulng paint.<br /><br />To my suprise I found the exhaust bellows came off the gimbal housing!!!<br /><br />Any tips on getting it back on?<br />Please don't tell me I have to remove the outdrive and bell housing.<br /><br />The bellows seems to be in good shape, guess the clamp wasn't too tight.

 

[tommays]

Re: HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

Tony i found mine had kept its shape when i changered my u-joint bellows and was able to clean it up and re-glue it and get it back on with out the tool <br /><br />IT my be hard to tighten the clamp with the drive on <br /><br />tommays

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

I couldn't seem to get it on the transom side.<br />Should I remove it from the other side so I can get it on the transom side first?<br /><br />I was almost tempted to cut it off and run without it!<br /><br />What about this exhaust tube I am reading about? Would that be easier to install than the bellows being that it only gets connected to the transom side?

 

[Bondo]

Re: HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

What about this exhaust tube I am reading about? Would that be easier to install than the bellows being that it only gets connected to the transom side?

Ayuh,...... That's what I'd Do.......... I'm Sure it's an easy Retrofit......

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

Hey Bondo.........<br /><br />Can I do this with the drive installed?

 

[Bondo]

Re: HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

I've got Thru-hulls,.... I don't know....

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

Any other suggestions before I do this later on today?<br /><br />Plan on launching tommorow!

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

Back in the days of my Mercruiser, I always installed the exhaust bellows last. Using one of those flexible extensions with a 5/16 socket on it makes it alot easier to tighten or remove the clamps. It is a pain to do this particular job, but patience and taking your time will pay off. To aid in getting the boot on, I have used dish soap sparingly just to allow enough lube to get it into place.<br /><br />EDIT...DO NOT RUN IT WITHOUT THE DRIVE BELLOWS! you will destroy your universals and the gimbal bearing. Not a pretty thing to happen.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

I am going to attempt installing the exhaust tube this afternoon.<br /><br />Any hints on this installation? Any opinions on using this instead of the bellows?<br /><br />U-joint bellows looks fine.

 

[4 Reel]

Re: HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

BB My exhaust bellows slid off the transom side twice last year, i suspect contamination at the glued surface. I am cleaning it up real well: MEK & scotchbrite make sure you do the same at the transom & bellows itself. I have the drive off & removed the bellhousing end of the exh. bellows.I am going to attach the transom end first & let that set up & dry while keeping pressure on it. the exhaust tube is an option but I would think the exhaust noise would increase as the drive trims out,(less noise is better )Good luck

 

[ddraddy]

Re: HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

If you run without the exaust bellow on it will produce cavatation[bubbles] around the lower unit. May not be good in the long run. I think that merc makes a user frendly one.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: HELP- Exhaust Bellows Came Off

Installed the exhaust tube........extremely simple.<br /><br />Plan on the test run tomorrow!<br /><br />Will start a new post with results.