Filling hull to check bellows

[vipertblck]

Was talking to a local marina and asking them how they check bellows on used boats as they do not do them in water. He said they fill the hull with water and basically it fills the bellows....that makes no sense?! Even if, wouldn't that ruin the gimble bearing?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

I think they would ruin the starter and distributor long before you had to worry about the gimbal bearing

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

Ummmm NO on so many levels!!! Do not let those idiots even wash the windshield on your boat.

 

[vipertblck]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

That's what I thought. Maybe I misunderstood him. I'll have to call and ask on Monday but if that's corrext, I will NOT be buying that boat. Used '03 crownline they got on consignment

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

only works if you have the bow raised up at about 80 degrees

 

[thumpar]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

NO, NO, NO. I would run.

 

[vipertblck]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

only works if you have the bow raised up at about 80 degrees

Wouldn't that ruin stuff though? Gimble bearing and chance for water to enter outdrive? How would it drain fr bellow boot?

 

[thumpar]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

Wouldn't that ruin stuff though? Gimble bearing and chance for water to enter outdrive? How would it drain fr bellow boot?

I think that was a joke. How would you put a boat at 80 degrees? This is the 3rd post that I have seen about this boat in question. If you are that worried about it run. I am a Crownline owner and fan but maybe this boat is not for you.

 

[vipertblck]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

You might have been referring to a 98 crownline 20' I was lookin at....sold. now just callin around a marina told me they had one in on consignment; it's titles in another post of mine, 03' crownline 180. I went and looked at it Saturday and just asking him questions and such brought up checking bellows as they don't do a sea trial, just a "dunk tank" for the ourdrive.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

You might have been referring to a 98 crownline 20' I was lookin at....sold. now just callin around a marina told me they had one in on consignment; it's titles in another post of mine, 03' crownline 180. I went and looked at it Saturday and just asking him questions and such brought up checking bellows as they don't do a sea trial, just a "dunk tank" for the ourdrive.

No, I actually replied to one of your other posts about the 03' so know the one you are referring to.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

... He said they fill the hull with water and basically it fills the bellows....that makes no sense?! ...

It makes about as much sense as flooding your basement to see if it leaks! :facepalm:

 

[JoLin]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

I'd stay away from these childish wiseguys. You asked a legitimate question and they probably had a good laugh at your expense after you left. Did they tell you that you'd need a left-handed monkey wrench, too?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

Obviously, that is not the correct way to inspect the bellows. On a Mercruiser, the only bellows you need to worry about are the shift cable and the driveshaft bellows. I would recommend you raise the outdrive and take a look at the driveshaft bellows. They are quite thick rubber, so you will see cracks in the rubber, if it is nearing the end of it's life. If the shift bellows goes bad, you will usually lose the ability to shift the motor into reverse. The exhaust bellows is a don't care as the risers prevent water from entering the motor.

 

[vipertblck]

Re: Filling hull to check bellows

I crawled under there and checked them things; they looked great! I'd almost say they looked new! Still though, the boat's been sitting for 5 years so.....anything is possible; hence why I was concerned and questioning the marina about them.