Any tricks to installing exhaust bellows?

[thunderroad]

I'm going to replace the exhaust bellows in my Mercruiser 160 this weekend. Just wondered if there were any tricks involved. It looks pretty straight forward but all this is new to me.<br />thanks

 

[tommays]

Re: Any tricks to installing exhaust bellows?

<br /><br />exaust bellows only ? the streching tool and service manual is highly recomened<br /><br /> http://mercstuff.com/bellowsexpander.htm <br /><br />tommays

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Any tricks to installing exhaust bellows?

hmmm...more to this than I thought.<br />thanks

 

[Wellcraft 89]

Re: Any tricks to installing exhaust bellows?

Tommays ,I can dig the first aid kit.you might need it for your knuckles.<br />Rich

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Any tricks to installing exhaust bellows?

while its possible to change the exhaust bellows without removing the drive its not a good idea. I did it once. much blood,renaming of parts and about 5 hours later it was done. remove the drive, buy the 26 dollar merc tool and the whole exhaust bellows ordeal is about 30 min.

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Any tricks to installing exhaust bellows?

I get your drift. I'm gonna give it one try tomorrow morning because I'd kinda like to use the boat on Sunday. If it looks like it ain't gonna happen I'll order the tool. Nowhere within 2 hours of here that would have it in stock. I put the bellhousing end on tonight and tightened it up, lowered the drive until I could just barely get my fingers in there and fooled with it for just a minute. (was rushed for time) I actually got the feeling that I could get it on that way but may be in for a big surprise.<br />I'll report back.

 

[elpaso]

Re: Any tricks to installing exhaust bellows?

This site will show you how to do everything.<br /><br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Any tricks to installing exhaust bellows?

Well, I must have gotten lucky. I managed to get it on without taking off the drive. (I really don't have any way to handle the drive here at home) Took about 1 1/2 hours, including head-scratching. Only cost me 2 skinned knuckles and I only let go with one blue streak that would have been audible to the neighbors.<br />I found that putting on the bellhousing end first was the wrong idea. I took it back off and put on the drive end first, clamped it tight then lowered the drive to collapse the bellows. Then I took a couple of those wooden sticks they give you to stir paint and used the rounded ends to gently prod the hose between the ribs. I was albe to "walk" it on this way. Then I unwound the clamp and put it over the bellows, started it back together and worked it into position. There was a very convienient access hole drilled at an angle about the 7 o'clock position to put in a nut driver to tighten the front clamp. It appears that someone had been there before. <br />Nonetheless....I'm buying the tool for the next time. I intend to change the other bellows and inspect the u-joint after this season and I can see where the tool would be very handy.