New style volvo bellows

[Derekd_RI]

I installed the new oem bellows #23075752. I have concerns about this new 'improved" style because it is very thin and rigid compared to older style rubber which was much thicker. Any insight on this I would like to hear.

 

[saaristo]

Noticed this also. Can't say the part number I used but it's really thin, definitely not like solid rubber boot anymore. Come to think about it, there's this 0.000somehing chance I got fake part (advertized as oem but not from dealership)

 

[BRICH1260]

The new material is pretty durable. I haven`t experienced any negatives from it as of yet. Research must have shown that the new compound was a better choice than the old rubber.

 

[Derekd_RI]

My worry is a barnacle cutting through it with material being so thin,maybe I am paranoid...I am just hoping someone will chime in who has been using the new design without issues

 

[Lou C]

IIRC, the old style bellows for the OMC Cobra and the Volvo SX were the same part, so if its an SX you have, it might be possible to use the OMC part. However, I have not heard of that new style bellows failing on this forum or others that I frequent.

 

[Derekd_RI]

That is good to hear. The outdrive is a dp-sm. If that makes any difference.

 

[Lou C]

Sounds like the SX series (1994-2005 or so). I have had the original OMC bellows last as long as11 years before small cracks started forming in the folds which means it’s time to replace BEFORE it leaks.
However I recall reading that Volvo changed the design to improve durability so maybe there really isn’t a problem here?

 

[bruceb58]

Last bellows I put in were the new style. I was impressed with them and would put them in again if I ever have a Volvo again.

I change bellows every 5 years just like DonS always recommended.

 

[Derekd_RI]

I was only replacing because I was not sure how old the one on there was . I have owned boat for 4 years. Old one still looked good but I decided to change it and the gimble bearing as preventative maintenance.

 

[saaristo]

Checked the part number I had and it's the same as OP had. But yea, really rigid and thin. One other thing thats different that it doesn't have the inner steel wire/spring anymore. Even the installation manual mentions that. Given how rigid and thin it is I have hard time to imagine how it can last more than a season if that. If you tilt the drive up you can see how it tortures the bellow so I have actually thought of switching to non-oem part that is noticeably more solid part.

 

[Derekd_RI]

I already have it installed, going to run it this year and see how it looks when I pull boat out in the fall. Hopefully I don t regret It.

 

[bruceb58]

They are an improvement. Don't ever use non OEM bellows.

 

[Derekd_RI]

I always use OEM parts on all of the boats I have owned. The new design just stood out to me being so different than any others I have seen.

 

[Grub54891]

Noticed that also. We’ll see how they hold up.

 

[bruceb58]

I always use OEM parts on all of the boats I have owned. The new design just stood out to me being so different than any others I have seen.

Personally, they are an improvement. On the old style, if you accidently started the engine in the full up position, there was a possibility of the bellows getting cut by the u-joints since there was some "squish" to the bellows. Not with the new design.

 

[Derekd_RI]

That makes sense. Mine is only in full up when trailering otherwise I always keep it in down position.

 

[bruceb58]

That makes sense. Mine is only in full up when trailering otherwise I always keep it in down position.

As you should. Also makes the shift cable last much longer as well.

 

[saaristo]

I have no clue what is this webpage or can it be trusted etc etc...but seems some of the people have had problems with the new style.

Sign Petition: Design Flaw Of New Volvo-Penta Bellows Affects NEW and OLD Boats

Volvo-Penta Old bellows made of pliable rubber lasted for years Brand new bellows has same part number but supersedes to new part number. Can't buy old design

www.thepetitionsite.com

Then again, tell me if there is something that someone doesn't have problem with?

 

[Dim73]

Hello there, I have a problem with the new style bellow.
I installed a new one just 3 weeks ago and it’s already leaking because it hits the shaft.
The bellow is bent just like a banana and hold this shape even the drive is completely down.
Is there anyone who had this problem?



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