Exhaust bellows question...

[Petsu]

On a scale from 1-10 how hard is the task of changing them for a person who only excels at oil changes? The mech. had to backorder them but they are available right up the street..(?) Also, on a 87 2.5GM/Merc am I looking at TWO different bellows in the engine compartment? That is what I see.

 

[firehog6305]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

there is a third one too, its for your shift linkage, its really not that hard to do, but it takes a little work, I wouldnt try it if you were not comfortable doing it, I watched someone to it, and then tried it myself, and had to make about ten phone calls before I was done, word for the wise!!! if you do attempt it, make sure you change you gimbal bearing at the same time, its a extra 70-100bucks, but worth the trouble, just make sure ti aline it

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

If you have a manual it should tell you step by step what and how to do, make sure if you do, do it yourself, you also need the "bellows adhesive" to go with it. and it really helps to have some one help you, they can be a Bit#$ to put on the first time doing it from what I have read here on Iboats forums. Between Iboat members and the "right" manual, its still a challenge,but possible. What you are looking at to answer your question is the U-joint bellows and the Exhaust bellows with the smaller being the shift cable linkage bellows.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

Your post title mentions "exhaust bellows." Are you thinking of changing just the exhaust bellows or all of them? I've done the job a few times on a couple of boats. I have rebuilt several engines and consider myself fairly "mechanical friendly."

Having said that - the job is TOUGH - especially the first time. Since you describe yourself as "one who excels at oil changes only" ... then I would think twice before trying this job. My humble two cents.

 

[Don S]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

Here is a link to the OEM service manual, scroll to the last page and click on section 4A of the outline. It will explain how to change the bellow.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

Here is a quick pic of the bellows and what they are.

 

[Petsu]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

If you have a manual it should tell you step by step what and how to do, make sure if you do, do it yourself, you also need the "bellows adhesive" to go with it. and it really helps to have some one help you, they can be a Bit#$ to put on the first time doing it from what I have read here on Iboats forums. Between Iboat members and the "right" manual, its still a challenge,but possible. What you are looking at to answer your question is the U-joint bellows and the Exhaust bellows with the smaller being the shift cable linkage bellows.

Thanks all for the input. Just trying to get it out this weekend! I read in another post here that it does NO damage to run without them? Where does all that water go then? And slightly off topic, is the T-stat the same as a vehicle one? My manual is on its way...

 

[Don S]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

Just trying to get it out this weekend! ....... My manual is on its way...

Didn't you even read my reply, or check the link I posted???? It IS the Merc service manual, just click on the link and follow the instructions I gave on how to use it.

If the exhaust bellows is bad, and you are on vacation or a long weekend, no reason to stop and fix the boat. The water and exhaust will go around the drive instead of thru the prop. No big deal or reason to ruin a weekend.
Now if it's your ujoint bellows, that is an all new ballgame.

 

[Petsu]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

All I know is the two bellows in the engine compartment leak pretty good. And it overheats quick, but checking the Tstat too..

 

[Don S]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

There are no exhaust bellows inside the boat, there are 2 exhaust tubes or hoses, but not bellows. They are outside the boat.
IF they (Rubber exhaust tubes inside the boat) are leaking and you are overheating it means they are burned up inside because of no water. That is an impeller or raw water pump supply problem in the drive, and has nothing to do with the thermostat.

 

[Petsu]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

Funny, but the piece at issue is #1 in the pic. They call it: BELLOWS, exhaust elbow to engine...

 

[Petsu]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

http://216.37.204.206/Shorts/mercruiser_oem/Mercruiser.asp?Type=13&SubType=111&A=8&B=23

 

[Drrockter]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

Dude, I'm not an expert by any stretch, but I have to be honest. You should really reconsider doing this yourself. I think your rushing into this and you can really risk some damage if you try to tackle this. I can change my Larsons oil and I wouldn't touch the Bellows especially if you plan on going out on the weekend. Which is tomorrow. Besides the picture Don posted is right out of the manual and they are OUTSIDE of the boat. Especially since your considering running without them. I would definately skip this weekend. From what your posting now, it isn't even the same part. Just offering my .02 but I think your really rushing, and this can only turn out bad.

 

[Petsu]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

Yeah not a job fer me. The part apparently is not bellows tho according to all it is a rubber exhaust tube like in the link. I wouldn't run without it on but wondered if running with it leaking was gonna hurt..

 

[180shabah]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

I just looked at your link to shorts marine catalog. He is talking about the rubber connection between the elbow and tube, it is 3" in and 4" out.

Like DonS stated above, if this is leaking it is due to running the boat without enough cooling water which caused it to burn through. The boat should not be run in this condition. However it is a very easy job to replace it, only hose clamps hold it in place. You may however need to remove the exhaust elbow, which will require a new gasket and a torque wrench to re-install. If you don't have one, you can "borrow" one from most auto parts stores.

However, you still have not addressed the water flow issue, most likely it is the seawater pump impeller, and this is probably beyond your skill at this point, as it is located inside of the lower unit on your outdrive.

 

[Petsu]

Re: Exhaust bellows question...

Thanks for lookin! Yup, thats the pieces at issue. The impeller was replaced but the guy said the tubes (whatever thr called) leaked "a bit" and maybe we should replace em some day but more of a nuisance than anything. So, back to the front. Tstat is locked up and the "rubbers" (new name for em) leak some. I managed to get Tstat off no prob, but these rubbers... Do they affect the new impeller by leakin? The only thing that makes me nervous is the removing of the elbow.