Drive-shaft bellows

[gamarines2]

I have a 1989 Glaston Ultra GX216 with Merc 350Mag/Alpha 1. I am taking in water near the input shaft and think I need a Bellows replacement.

Reading over the manual, it looks like alot of disassembly must be accomplished, as the there is no specific procedure for bellows replacement listed. My first thought was that the bellows can be accessed and replaced by simply removing the outdrive. How much further component (bell housing) disassembly will be required?

Jake

 

[gabe1]

Re: Drive-shaft bellows

check out the 2 links below:

http://www.mercstuff.com/bellowsreplacement1.htm

http://www.outdriveshop.com/replace_alphaone_bellows.html


It's a PITA but it can be done.

just take your time it also helps if you get the OEM manual for your drive.

 

[thrasher]

Re: Drive-shaft bellows

If you have an Alpha 1 gen2 drive, I am doing exactly the same thing at the minute. As mentioned it's a PITA, but you can remove the outdrive (half a dozen bolts) then remove the bell housing (you need a 1/2 inch allen wrench or the mercury special hinge pin tool). You can then remove the drive shaft bellow fairly easily. If your luck is as good as mine, you will find that when you remove the bellow, you will see the main prop shaft gimble bearing is also damaged (from the water) and will need changing!! Things then get messy.. If its just the bellow then you are looking at a weekends work, a few skinned knuckles and a gasket set for the outdrive.. I haven't tried fitting the interior ring that goes inside the bellow where the bellow attaches to the bell housing!! So this might yet be a nightmare..

Gary

 

[180shabah]

Re: Drive-shaft bellows

Quicksilver mkes a tool to install that ring.

You NEED it.

 

[gamarines2]

Re: Drive-shaft bellows

Thanks for the advice. The drive is alpha 1.

All the reading I've done on gimbal bearing replacement indicates a true PITA! I have removed and resealed my upper with little problems, but I am not so sure I want to venture into this one.....but man those mechanics sure get some labor $$.......

 

[thrasher]

Re: Drive-shaft bellows

Thanks Shabah,

I will buy the tool tomorrow...

Gary