Replace exhaust bellows only?

[roscoe1]

I have a (new to me) 1977 Formula 233 with MCM 250 with an Alpha drive. The motor is freshwater cooled from a thru-hull fitting: no water comes from the outdrive. <br />The exhaust bellows is leaking water into the boat. The boat is currently docked in freshwater at my house while I "shake it down" prior to going to a mooring in salt water next week or so. I have read about the procedure at mercstuff.com where the gimbal ring must be removed to replace all of the bellows. But can I replace just the exhaust bellows without removing the gimbal ring? It looks possible if one could get a screw driver to tighten the bellows at the transom side. I don't want salt water sloshing around in the bildge and spraying the motor and accessories. Also, is there a difference bewteen a pre-Alpha gimbal housing/transom assembly and an Alpha assembly??<br />The outdrive is a new Sierra unit.<br />Thanks<br />John

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Replace exhaust bellows only?

ok<br /> first off even if the exhaust bellows was missing it wont allow salt water into the boat. so thats a dead horse. the only two bellows that will leak in the boat are the shift cable and the drive bellows. if the drive bellows is leaking the gimbal bearing, ujoints and most likly the input yoke and seal are bad. if its a drive bellows leaak its imperative to remove the driveshaft assy from the upper and check the yoke. in saltwater they will rust rapidly and cause a seal failure. the failure of the seal will not be evident until the upper case fails.<br /> so pull the drive and inspect for water. also check the shift cable bellows for rot or tears as well.

 

[roscoe1]

Re: Replace exhaust bellows only?

Uh-oh...Thanks Rodbolt....I guess I was all wet on where the leak is located. The boat hasn't been in salt water yet and I'm glad I asked the question-thank you.<br />I thought it was the exhaust bellows because the water I see leaking is coming from the port-side lower most area-well below the driveshaft. I will haul the boat this weekend and pull the drive. <br />Thanks again,<br />John

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Replace exhaust bellows only?

Just to add to rodbolts comments it is also possible the leak is at the exhuast y pipe flange were is mates with the inner transom assembly... if this is the case then a engine removal is required to fix it... either way if you plan on leaving boat in water and don't know the last time bellows and such have been replaced then it may be time to get it done bellows should be a preventitive maintance item, it cost less money to just do them rather than wait until a failure and stand a chance of trashing gimble bearing and upper drive or better yet find your boat on the bottom of the lake.

 

[funnyboy]

Re: Replace exhaust bellows only?

I purchased a complete transom/bellows kit from Aftermarket.com today and will do this (or try) Monday or Tuesday. The kit includes a gimbal bearing so if it needs it, I have it. <br />Where/how can I determine the leak is at the exhaust "Y" pipe flange?<br />By the way: I am not a complete newby-just new to I/Os....I'll learn more by working on this ol' girl, though.<br />PS: Sorry for the confusion, (we) funnyboy and dawgboy are one and the same.<br />Thanks for the reply,<br />John

 

[tommays]

Re: Replace exhaust bellows only?

boat in water <br /><br />then flashlight mirror whatever find out were leak really is<br /><br />then you can fix it<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[funnyboy]

Re: Replace exhaust bellows only?

Just an update.....all the mirrors in the world would not have found this leak. I ended up pulling the outdrive and the bellows were all dry. Next, I pulled the engine and there were no obvious signs of a leak. But, I did notice that the inner transom plate covered much of the transom cut-out, or hole, in the back of the boat which means the leak may not show up at a bolt...it could be up underneath the transom plate out of sight. Soooo, I removed the transom plates, both inner and outer and was immediately bummed. The outer transom plate was corroded through next to the transom bolt just above the gimbal bearing. Without removing the transom assembly I never would have found the leak. Also, the transom is rotted around the port bolt hole about 2" above, below, and inward. This boat and motor is in otherwise fabulous freshwater condition. What do I do to save this boat????<br />Thanks, John<br />(funnyboy/dawgboy)

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: Replace exhaust bellows only?

Go over to the Boat Restoration and Building section<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=26 <br />and explain the problem. I'm sure you'll get lotsa good info.