bellows replacement interval

[GlasV162]

Hello,
How often does one have to replace the bellows on a 1998 Mercruiser 4.3L / Alpha 1?
Fresh water use only, if that makes a difference.
Engine / drive is a 1998 with 52 hrs. on it, and I'm considering buying it.
Thanks,
John

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: bellows replacement interval

I just replaced mine while I was replacing the shift cable. It was the original bellows on my 86 alpha 1. It was still watertight and had just the tiniest surface cracks if you stretched out the rubber. Most would say i got lucky and by rights should have changed it out years ago. Most will also say 12 yrs is WAY overdue. Just telling you my experience. My boat is also all fresh water with short Mn summers FYI

 

[Chaparralboater]

Re: bellows replacement interval

they say every 2 years I think ?

 

[scoflaw]

Re: bellows replacement interval

I still have, all the original bellows,U joints and gimbel bearing on my 2000 sea ray Bravo. Sits in a slip, in salt water, 6 months a year. Every thing still looks good

 

[dubs283]

Re: bellows replacement interval

replace bellows when a hole appears

a general inspection will tell you if there is wear from the hinge pins on the bell housing and also inspect for cracking - if wear or cracking is severe - replace

i'm not sure what mercruiser recommends for change intervals, two years would be WAY too soon for a bellows to fail under normal conditions

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: bellows replacement interval

I still have, all the original bellows,U joints and gimbel bearing on my 2000 sea ray Bravo. Sits in a slip, in salt water, 6 months a year. Every thing still looks good

You guys a very brave...One day when it splits and wipes out all the expensive parts it will be a hard lesson learned.
I have seen 3 year old bellows on fresh water boats that needed replaced.

 

[GlasV162]

Re: bellows replacement interval

Thanks for all the input. Is there a way to check them from the engine compartment?
Thanks again,
John

 

[dubs283]

Re: bellows replacement interval

Is there a way to check them from the engine compartment?

no

tilt the drive all the way up and turn to both sides and inspect

a detailed inspection of the u-joint bellows would require pulling the drive

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: bellows replacement interval

The larger upper bellow is the drive bellow.It is the one that will destroy everything when it fails as well as possibly sink the boat.
You can inspect it from the outside to some extent by turning the drive hard left and right,tilted up.A flashlight really helps.Any signs of small cracks or dry rot means it is due.
Pulling the drive is the correct way to check them along with greasing and inspecting the u-joints,gimbal bearing ect..
This should be done once a year as part of your service anyway.

If they are over 3 to 4 years old just replace them...It is just part of owning a boat.

 

[wanna-be]

Re: bellows replacement interval

dittos above. inspect every year but beware, small holes and cracks are invisible. if you can see a hole its overdue.

 

[ziggy]

Re: bellows replacement interval

replace bellows when a hole appears

, for the drive shaft bellows? that seems like it'd be a day late and dollar short. if there's a hole in them. water gets in them. ujoint, gimble brg. ujoint yoke don't like water on them. let alone what Gary H NC said about holes in bellows sink boats..

while i don't know the facts and have never seen any print on the facts. 3-5 years has seemed to be the general word around here i believe.

an inspection is critical. cracks, dry rot and/or any wear would seem like cause for replacement..

to me, drive shaft bellows is a scary thought. it's gotta be the weak link (2 hose clamps and one rubber tube) between us and the outside world of water..

 

[tractoman]

Re: bellows replacement interval

Inspect them frequently and store the boat with the drive down. It takes much of the stress off the bellows when they are not extended all the time.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: bellows replacement interval

Inspect them frequently and store the boat with the drive down. It takes much of the stress off the bellows when they are not extended all the time.

That's the truth.. Replacing bellows right now cause the previous owner left the drive up all the time.. Looks almost U shaped.. Made a Hole at the top.. I never got water in the bilge, but made a mess of u joints and gimble.. I checked em over real good too, but the hole was where I couldn't see..

 

[true blue 17133]

Re: bellows replacement interval

hello all. new to iboats,, reading forums came across this one, and I found out that both my exhaust and drive bellows have splits in them so i've been trying to find them, but know luck and no one around here will work on my drive (275 volvo penta) say its to old for them (1986 bayliner capri) can any one help? from reading post i would think that i may need other work done to replace old and worn out parts (tho trim works great) but here in Lexington ,N.C no one wants to do this work as it must be a pain to work my drive and i don't feel good about trying this,,, Help anyone??...thanks

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: bellows replacement interval

hello all. new to iboats,, reading forums came across this one, and I found out that both my exhaust and drive bellows have splits in them so i've been trying to find them, but know luck and no one around here will work on my drive (275 volvo penta) say its to old for them (1986 bayliner capri) can any one help? from reading post i would think that i may need other work done to replace old and worn out parts (tho trim works great) but here in Lexington ,N.C no one wants to do this work as it must be a pain to work my drive and i don't feel good about trying this,,, Help anyone??...thanks

Your best bet would be to start your very own tread.. You will get help that away..

 

[true blue 17133]

Re: bellows replacement interval

can not figure out how too..

 

[Don S]

Re: bellows replacement interval

can not figure out how too..

 

[Don S]

Re: bellows replacement interval

I still have, all the original bellows,U joints and gimbel bearing on my 2000 sea ray Bravo. Sits in a slip, in salt water, 6 months a year. Every thing still looks good

As Jeff Foxworthy would say, here's your sign.

Rule of thumb for OEM bellows in salt water, is use for 5 seasons, then replace.
The second part of that rule of thumb says that if it's a Sierra bellows, replace after 3, if GLM change yearly, if Mallory change weekly.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: bellows replacement interval

Love it Don.....Mallory change weekly!
That is the truth!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: bellows replacement interval

True Blue, I sent you a PM about the bellows....(Top right corner,private message)...