Tightening the clamps on the bellows

[Jbrookins]

I have a mercruiser 2.5L with an alpha one gen 1
I have done a full restoration on this boat and not once have I felt I couldn't do it (i have worried a few time) but I'm ready to put TNT IN the boat and light it. I've got the main bellows and the exhaust bellows in and tight but the shift cable bellows I've been trying for hours. I bought one of those flex extensions and everything I can't get a socket over the nut. Please help guys (and girls) I'm going to loss it here.
This is just one the front side I haven't even got to the back of them yet.

 

[Bt Doctur]

the clamp screw is 5/16ths ,a short socket and universal with 2 long extensions

 

[Newbie@boats]

the clamp screw is 5/16ths ,a short socket and universal with 2 long extensions

This is spot on, exactly how I did mine...its a PITA either way...but works

 

[Jbrookins]

I got it on had to take the main bellows back off and taught my 2 year old (with really tiny hands) to tighten a nut but ITS ON.

 

[Jbrookins]

Real quick question, the water hose that's in the gimble I ordered 1 and the inside diameter was 5/8 and I need a 3/4 can I just use one from advance auto parts they told me it would work ITS a heater hose but it looks the same

 

[Bt Doctur]

No, the hose is double wall to prevent kinking.And you have to remove the housing and bellows to install it

 

[Jbrookins]

Well crap looks like I'm taking everthing back apart

 

[kbsunlovers]

This tool works like a champ for me on those bellows clamps: Google Snap On BLPEXTF146

 

[flipbro]

Be sure to buy OEM hose. I find the other brands are kink prone. OEM fit like a glove..

 

[bspeth]

You can do that hose if you loosen the clamp inside the transom and pull out the fitting along with the hose. Pull a mouse through and thread the new hose and fitting up your mouse.