corrugated rubber hose/boot cracked open

[lc1192]

im in the process of buying a used boat. need to take it to the lake to test it out. the corrugated hose/boot that is visible under the outdrive is cracked and hangs open about 1/4". how important is this? can i get away with one test run on the lake with it like this? mercruiser 3.0 lx

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: corrugated rubber hose/boot cracked open

Ther bottom hose isin't important.It only directs exhaust out thru the prop.The small one with the cable if it has a hole in it can sink the boat,be carefull but you can drive it.The top hose is the important one.Put it in forward gear.Loosen the drive and pull it back looking into the upper bellows.Grease and very small amounts of oil are ok.Water,rust or large amounts of oil signal trouble.
Replace all three bellows when you buy the boat.J

 

[Bondo]

Re: corrugated rubber hose/boot cracked open

Ther bottom hose isin't important.It only directs exhaust out thru the prop.

Ayuh,... While the bottom bellows isn't as Important as the Other 2,...
It tells you the Other 2 are Rotten,+ need Replacing...
It'll set you back a pretty pile of coins,.... Figure that into your offer price.....

 

[lc1192]

Re: corrugated rubber hose/boot cracked open

Ther bottom hose isin't important.It only directs exhaust out thru the prop.The small one with the cable if it has a hole in it can sink the boat,be carefull but you can drive it.The top hose is the important one.Put it in forward gear.Loosen the drive and pull it back looking into the upper bellows.Grease and very small amounts of oil are ok.Water,rust or large amounts of oil signal trouble.
Replace all three bellows when you buy the boat.J

I can rebuild an automotive engine and I change my own brakes and oil, do you think I can handle changing the bellows myself, or should I take it to someone?

 

[Bondo]

Re: corrugated rubber hose/boot cracked open

I can rebuild an automotive engine and I change my own brakes and oil, do you think I can handle changing the bellows myself, or should I take it to someone?

Ayuh,.... It's a Knuckle Buster of a Job,+ Parts will set you back several Hundred,....
But,...
Up in the Adults Only section of this forum is a Boatload of Info, including factory manuals that cover the job....

Have at it.....

 

[Matty8251]

Re: corrugated rubber hose/boot cracked open

I just did this job today and it took me about 3 hours to do. You will need a "Bellows Kit" and some differant lubs but it is not to bad. Total coast was under $200.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: corrugated rubber hose/boot cracked open

I just did this job today and it took me about 3 hours to do. You will need a "Bellows Kit" and some differant lubs but it is not to bad. Total coast was under $200.

Thats about right unless it already had water leaking in.
If the boat he is looking at already has rotted bellows it could get way more expensive in a hurry.

Just the fact that they are in that condition shows that the seller did not take care of regular service requirements....