86 140 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Exhaust Bellows Tool

[bomar76]

86 Mercruiser 140 3.0 liter Alpha 1 drive in a 1986 Baja Sunsport 184. I have tried everything I can think of to replace my cracked exhaust bellows, but cannot get both ends on without the elusive Mercruiser Exhaust Bellows Tool. I stopped by my local dealer today to order a tool, and they were clueless as to what I needed. ( I didn't have the part number with me). Any secret to doing this without the tool, OR a lead to purchase one on the net (no luck on purchasing one via Google, just links on what it is and how to use it). Thanks a million.....

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: 86 140 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Exhaust Bellows Tool

A special tool is news to me. I have found them to a total pain in the ass to replace. You may want to have someone do it. It may be cheeper then you think and alot less stress. Some things are worth the money. Bellows would go on that list.

 

[RandyJ]

Re: 86 140 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Exhaust Bellows Tool

I recently had the priviledge of performing the same task for the first time with no assistance or advice. I'm running a 1976 140. I ended up pulling the stern drive, clamped on the transom end of the exhaust bellows, raised the housing and with hose clamp pushed back and very loose over the stern end of bellows I found an old cheap screw driver I bent into an "L" shape which I used to work the stern in onto the exhaust pipe from the inside. I don't remember for sure but I may have cheated and oiled it or soaped it... can't remember, it was like 2 a.m. when I was doing it. Anyway, it sure as hell beat poking at it from the outside. Anyway, I got the cursed thing on and it has worked great for 3 trips to the lake.

 

[Countrybois]

Re: 86 140 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Exhaust Bellows Tool

You can get the job done without the 'special tool'. I've done 2 of them in the last couple of months. Randy's idea is good with the bent screwdriver, or anything else with a 90 degree bend. I used a pair of 90 degreee needlenose. Once you get the bellows on the boat side and clamped on, lower your outdrive and turn it to one side. This just makes it easier to get started. I would advise against using any lube, it helps to make it slide on but also makes it tough to keep it on all the way once you have it in place. It is tough but definately doable. Reach in through the exhaust port and pull the boot on using the ribs to grab with your tool. Excuse any small children from the room prior to performing this procedure.

 

[bomar76]

Re: 86 140 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Exhaust Bellows Tool

Thanks for the suggestion...that's exactly what I was going to do....I also favor the swearing at inanitmate object and throwing things method of repair at times myself...makes the time you do spend on the water that much sweeter.

 

[dhammann]

Re: 86 140 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Exhaust Bellows Tool

Try soaking the bellows in hot water ~200 degreess for 20 minutes. This will temporarily relax the rubber and make it easier to install.

 

[chiefmike58]

Re: 86 140 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Exhaust Bellows Tool

bomar76, you should apply bellows cement at both inside ends of new bellows. It helps installation, and sets up extremely quick, holding bellows in place while tightening. A tool is available at ebasicpower out of Harkers Island, N.C.

 

[DirtyDicks]

Re: 86 140 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Exhaust Bellows Tool

Duct tape works for me!!!!

 

[bomar76]

Re: 86 140 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Exhaust Bellows Tool

Did the deed today...took a new approach. Whole job done in 90 minutes and 6 beers. I took off old bellows, rams, and lower unit while new bellows stewed in hot water. Clamped new bellows to transom side and drank a couple beers. Greased ujoints and spline assembly. Then took off bellows (now nicely prefomed) and turned it around and clamped it on outdrive. Took a WIDE flat bladed screwdriver and gently pushed other end of bellows on through the hole- no need to remove shift linkage. Slid right on. Tightened clamp. Installed lower unit and rams. It was a very easy project.

 

[bwright]

Re: 86 140 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Exhaust Bellows Tool

The one thing I tried after quite a few intense moments was to put two spray cans on both side of the bellow attach one side to a fixed point and hooked up a winch to the other end and slowly stretched the belows out a little. I left it over night and next morning put it all back together in about a half hour. It worked great!!!