Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

[MN86_4winns]

Is it difficult to install new bellows without the bellows expander tool?

 

[Don S]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

What bellows? What Drive?

If you are talking about a Merc Alpha exhaust bellows, it's a PITA, if you can get it done at all.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

The u joint bellows is very doable on a Merc. without the tool.....
The exhaust is impossible without it like Don S says.......

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

Has anyone ever wondered WHY Mercruiser makes it that way? OMC Cobra's were not easy,but the bellows replacement was a snap.

DHP

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

I'll bite.....
Why is the exhaust bellow oval?.....:}

 

[hoot]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

i read this tip somewhere and i did it when i replaced mine. attach one end of the exhaust bellows and let it sit overnite. it will take an oval shape. then remove it and turn it around. it makes it easier to install both ends.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

Or just convert it to the Exhaust Tube................................

 

[180shabah]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

Bondo - You have brought up the exhaust tube in the past. What is involved in the conversion and what are the advantages/disadvantages.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

The Tube Conversion involves Ripping the old Bellows,+ it's clamps off,+ Installing the Tube......

The Tube attaches to the Transom side,+ is a "Glove Fit" into the Outdrive side........
It takes Longer to remove the Bellows than to Install the Tube.......

I Don't Know of Any Disadvantages...................

 

[180shabah]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

If it is all "good" why don't more people do it?

 

[MN86_4winns]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

I just need to replace the u-joint bellow on a alpha one.

 

[Don S]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

No such thing as a ujoint bellows expander for an Alpha One.
There is a tool to reinstall the exhaust bellows when reinstalling the bellhousing. or you could use the tube as mentioned above.
Then there is the REAL OEM service manual for an Alpha drive. Here's a link to the free online one.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

 

[180shabah]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

I just need to replace the u-joint bellow on a alpha one.

get the full bellows kit and replace everything while you have it apart. You will appreciate later.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

I just need to replace the u-joint bellow on a alpha one.

get the full bellows kit and replace everything while you have it apart. You will appreciate later.

& your shift cable as well.....
They tend to have approximately the same life expectancy......
& you are all ready that far into it not to......

 

[MN86_4winns]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

Thanks for the advice.... I will replace all the bellows and shift cable. I just not looking forward to replacing the exhaust bellow.

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

How Important is that merc.exhaust bellows anyway??

 

[Don S]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

The exhaust bellows directs the exhaust thru the drive and out thru the hub of the prop.
If the exhaust bellows was missing completely, the boat would still run just fine, but your drive will constantly be covered with exhaust and it will be noisier. To a lesser degree, the same thing will happen when using the exhaust tube instead of the bellows.

 

[MN86_4winns]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

Don, On your exhaust tube you are just connected the transom side and having the other end of the tube just hang free in the water?

 

[Don S]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

First off, I own a Volvo DP not a Mercruiser

Open the document below and read pages 4A-21 thru 4A-23. I think you will then understand the tube vs.bellows thing a little more.

It's 815KB, so may take a while to load depending on your connection speed.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6A4R3.PDF

 

[hoot]

Re: Installing bellows without bellows expander tool?

as to why some don't replace bellows with tube, when i did mine, the dealer had the bellows in stock and not the tube. he could order the tube, and it was more expensive than the bellows. i didn't want to wait.