Mercruiser bellows

[jjbritting]

I am thinking about buying an 86 Starcraft "C" Eagle with a 170 3.7L Mercruiser.The exhaust bellows is torn, the shift cable bellows looks OK, the gimble bellows looks OK the little I can see of it.I was planning to remove lower unit to replace water pump and stearn drive to grease the universal joint.Is it a monster job to replace the bellows with no special tools? Also does any one know much about this 170 merc engine, what kind of reputation does it have? I've been on boat several times and it ran great.

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser bellows

The 470 engine is not Mercrusiers best. Mercrusier block with Ford 460 head.<br /><br />The alternator and voltage regulator are very expensive to repair. There is however a aftermarket kit to replace them for about 350.00 plus labor (if you have room in the dog house for it). The waterpump also is a pain over time when it starts leaking since its driven off the camshaft. When they leak you need to repair the shaft so the new seal will seal.<br /><br />Would I buy one...NO<br /><br />Get one with the proven 120, 140, 165 (six cylinder) or 4.3 and the 5.7 is also a good engine.<br /><br />To answer your question.. Bellows can be a pain. Use bellows glue. When you have the outdrive off make sure to check alignment with alignment bar.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Mercruiser bellows

I Gotta stand on the other side of the fence from trent....the 3.7 provided excellent power/fuel economy in a relatively lightweight package....in smaller boats, they provide excellent performance. charging systems are a weak spot, the newest regulators from merc hold up well....but none will if run with loose/poor battery connections, their chief killer...if you change your antifreeze every 2 years [like yer supposed to] you will never change a circ pump seal....I have seen people throw rods, blow head gaskets,eat oil like mad in these motors...all because of a lack of maintenance.....same as any other engine.

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser bellows

Opinions vary.. I respect ODDD1 advise and he knows what he has seen. I also know what I have seen. Yes they do run strong when they dont have problems. Fuel economy is good. <br /><br />My personal thoughts I would not have one. But they did make alot of them so that maybe why I see alot of posts about them. Always the same problems.<br /><br />I preferr the other engines that I listed. I would like to here ODDD1 thoughts on them?

 

[jjbritting]

Re: Mercruiser bellows

Thanks fellas for the info. I really appreciate your opinions. Trent are you from the Mobile area? I used to work there when I lived in Pensacola.

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser bellows

Nope, Just south of Montgomery

 

[gto]

Re: Mercruiser bellows

I think price plays a big part to this mans question. I have a 1979 sportsmaster stingray 17'. i've had it 9 years. I never done any to it but tuneups and batteries untill now. but the problems I've got now are from poor maint.I carried it to Panama city and puy in in the ocean for 7 days then brought it home and parked it untill now. but with everyone heres help i hope to have it back to the ocean in two weaks for less than $400.00 Thats replaces all bellows,gimble bearing, yoke & u-joints,waterpump, tuneup kit, carb kit, shift lever, and a repair manual. pretty cheap I think and the motor run fine now. Trent has been a big help and so have alot of others here.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Mercruiser bellows

Your welcome, JJ...Trent, when you size a 470 up against a 4.3, the 4.3 is gonna come out on top, any day...the 5.7, also a wunnerful engine,both with decent power output for size an weight...the 140's [3.0 liter] are inexpensive,reliable as the sun,but I always thought they were a little hefty for their size...same goes for the 120's, but with even less power? no thanks...<br /> Almost forgot, the venerable staight six 165...a sweet, smooth running engine, but they eat up too much room in already small boats...<br /> Trent I will always welcome a counterpoint...It pays to re-think our opinions, and this is a good place to do it.