alpha 1 gen 1 exhaust bellow problem

[wncrjb]

I Tried replacing my bellows on my 88 3.0 ( 140hp ) alpha 1 gen 1 today.
I also plan on replacing the gimble bearing, water hose etc....

I have the right manual ( #6 ) and the bellow expander tool also.

Never doing this before, I will say things were really going good until time to put the exhaust bellow onto the bell housing. I could NOT get the tool past the shift shaft.

Is it safe to assume the shift shaft must be removed to install the bellow or is there a secret to this madness?

I didn't see anything in the book about removing it or have heard anything on here about it.

I'm just wondering if I got the wrong expander tool or if I just really messed something up.

Any input would be appreciated.. thanks

 

[rad1026]

Re: alpha 1 gen 1 exhaust bellow problem

I had the same problem/question a few weeks ago when I did this job on my alpha 1. Everything went fine 'till I got to that point. What I did was take the tool apart, insert it in to the bellows, then put it back together. It allowed me to get the tool past the shift shaft, which I did not want to remove. Its a tough job to do on your own, another set of hands would have been helpful when I did it, but I managed. Hopefully you'll get it. I think if I had to do it over again I would have just used the exhaust tube instead. Much easier install.

 

[sswick]

Re: alpha 1 gen 1 exhaust bellow problem

I just replaced all my bellow recently too. The shift shaft is only held in with one screw at the top and then slides out. It makes it much easier to use the tool. One note. Don't be like me...make sure you get the exhaust bellows on tight and use a lot of adhesive. Mine fell off after my maiden voyage. :redface:

 

[180shabah]

Re: alpha 1 gen 1 exhaust bellow problem

The adhesive is only used to hold the bellows in place until you get the clamp on. Just make sure it is still straight when you go to tighten the clamp.

 

[rad1026]

Re: alpha 1 gen 1 exhaust bellow problem

I know, i couldn't get that little screw off of the shift shaft and I didn't want to mess it up and then have a real problem. Splitting to tool worked.