Merc Alpha Bellows, How Often to Replace?

[talley_ho]

I have twin 1988 Merc Alpha I's and am wondering how often the bellows should be replaced as preventive maintenance? Any advice?

Also, how often should the u-joints be greased? Is there a timeframe when they should be replaced as pm?

The drives have 550 hrs on them. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc Alpha Bellows, How Often to Replace?

If you are boating in salt water and keep the boat in the water most of the year, I would recommend 3 to 4 years max on the bellows.
The ujoints (AND GIMBAL BEARING) should be lubed every 100 hours, 50 hours if you do a lot of trolling/idle speed operating. The drive should be pulled every 100 hours or yearly bellows checkded for water, alignment checked and things looked over.
The impellers in the drive should also be replace every other year.

 

[talley_ho]

Re: Merc Alpha Bellows, How Often to Replace?

Thanks Don, great info as always. I keep the boat on a trailer but I just bought it so I'll have all the work done as you mentioned as a precaution. I'll use the boat mainly in Lake Washington but will do some San Juan cruising and fishing at slow speeds so it is good to have this pm knowledge. Thanks again.

Any marine mechanic recommendations in the Bellvue WA area?