Possible stupid question

[nythng4mny]

Ok, after checking the out drive on my 1987 19' Sea Ray with a 4.3L OMC/Cobra, I noticed that the exhaust bellows are cracked on the bottom..... here is the question....... How important are the bellows, can I use the boat for the rest of the season?

Am I risking anything by doing that?

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Possible stupid question

Some of the new Cobra bellows come the the bottom of the exhaust bellows cut off so the pleats are wide open when the drive is raised. This allows the water in the exhaust passages to drain.
So, cracks in yours exhaust bellows will wait till next maintenance session (Winterization for you in Pennsylvania).

 

[nythng4mny]

Re: Possible stupid question

OK perhaps I should have asked this too......
What should I also replace/check/do... when replacing the exhaust bellows.

 

[Don S]

Re: Possible stupid question

Replace the ujoint bellows if it's over 4 or 5 years old. When those go bad and leak, the repair bills are expensive.