How do I verify Drive Bellow is installed properly?

[TulsaTime]

Drive Bellows replaced! Did everything by the book! Any way to verify water is staying out of the drive bellow? Will it simply come into the boat bilge area if not sealed properly? First time replacing the drive bellow on this unit, I'm fairly sure we did it right. But.....
Haven't had it on the water yet, but the 4th is coming up and plan on getting it out with the family.

 

[alldodge]

If you did it right your good, if you didn't then might be an issue. IN most cases it will show up in short order, so can you just dunk it still on the trailer to check?

 

[TulsaTime]

If you did it right your good, if you didn't then might be an issue. IN most cases it will show up in short order, so can you just dunk it still on the trailer to check?

So if done right, we shouldn't have any water in the bilge area? Right?
I will take your advice and dunk it while still on the trailer! Crossing fingers this goes well!!

 

[GA_Boater]

Before you dunk, even on the trailer, run the drive up and down from full trim down and up to full trailer tilt a few times. Peek under there to see if the bellows are still in place. If they are, then do the dunk on the trailer doing the same full trim down and full tilt up. Pull it up the ramp and check underneath again.

Then go boating.

 

[Lou C]

Also if you can wet vac out the bilge before launching so there is no water in the bilge.
The things to watch with the bellows job are getting the ridge in the bellows sealing surface lined up with the groove in the gimble housing flange, and getting the screw clamp at 1:00-->2:00 position. Also you are supposed to put some OMC/Evinrude triple guard grease on the inner lip of the bellows and on the surface of the bearing carrier that presses into the bellows when the drive is tightened up to the pivot housing. These bellows are asymmetrical in that there is one more fold on one side, that should face down to help it not to crack when tilted up.
Finally on the SX drive I'd also coat the mating surfaces of the pivot housing and upper gear housing with the same grease, it helps prevent corrosion and seizing.