1989 Mercruiser Alpha One 4.3 Liter Boot

[MLSpicer]

I have a 1989 Ebbtibe Riviera 180XLS with a 1989 Mercruiser Alpha One 4.3 liter engine. I am looking to replace the cooling system hoses even though I haven't had any issues with them. Just thought I would do some preventative maintenance. A friend of a friend who is a marine mechanic told me to purchase a hose kit that also contained a "boot" which would also need to be replaced. He says the boot itself is quite expensive (around $600) and is very difficult to change. He stated that it is around the area where the stern drive connects with the engine. I was told if it goes bad, I could sink my boat even though it currently doesn't take on a drop of water. Could someone tell me if this info is correct and if I should be concerned???

 

[thumpar]

Re: 1989 Mercruiser Alpha One 4.3 Liter Boot

I think he is talking about the the bellows. The parts are not expensive but they are hard to change. There are 3 total. The exhaust bellows, which won't sink the boat if they go bad, the shift cable bellows, which will sink the boat slowly and the drive shaft bellows that will sink the boat fast if they get bad enough.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1989 Mercruiser Alpha One 4.3 Liter Boot

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Find another friend who's got a friend in the marine mechanicin' business,...

That guy is spewin' suspect Info...

The bellows ain't nearly that expensive, unless he's talkin' an Installed price...

 

[achris]

Re: 1989 Mercruiser Alpha One 4.3 Liter Boot

And it would take quite a long time for the boat to fill with enough water to cause a problem. The water has to make it passed the gimbal bearing before it enters the boat.

Chris.....

 

[MLSpicer]

Re: 1989 Mercruiser Alpha One 4.3 Liter Boot

Thanks for the info guys. I will change the hoses as some of them seem a little soft, and leave the bellow project alone. The boat is commonly in the water for entire weekends and does not take on a drop of water.