Is the special tool relly needed for replacing bellows?

[Cresco750]

I'm just about to embark on replacing the bellows on my Mercruiser-R. Can they be installed without too much difficulty without the special insertion tool?

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Is the special tool relly needed for replacing bellows?

Depend's on the bellows themselves.Some kit's have an open exhaust bellow that can be put on without the exhaust bellow tool.If your kit has the bellow that connect's on both end's it will need the tool.

 

[DaveG55]

Re: Is the special tool relly needed for replacing bellows?

Depending on which bellows you are asking about there are several specialized tools you may need.
* U-Joint bellows - need tool to drive the "wedge ring" (for lack of the correct name) into the bellows.
* Shift cable bellows - special socked to remove outer cable from gimbal housing and a couple mor different tools to reinstall the shift cable.
* Exhaust bellows - bellows expander to put bellows on gimbal side. This won't be needed if you install one of the newer style exhaust tubes as they only attach to the transom side.
In addation you may need a couple of other tools like a flexable extention for a screwdriver to reach tight spots and an engine alignment tool. And the tool to remove the side gimbal pins - unless you choose to try the very difficult task of replacing the bellows w/o removing the gimbal ring. You'll also need bellows adhesive. Also, you should consider replacing the lower shift cable as well as the gimbal bearing (the gimbal bearing will require at least 2 more special tools.
Fortunatly, Most of the "special" tools can be substituted by tools fabricated by the DIY'er. There is a section on iboats somewhere that has several how-too's on making your own tools.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Is the special tool relly needed for replacing bellows?

If you are talking about the exhaust bellows tool, if the exhaust bellows is in decent shape I would not even bother to change it (it does not keep water out), spend the savings to get an OEM Mercruiser driveshaft bellows. Disconnect the e-bellows from the bellhousing end, and should be able to put it back on without tool.

 

[Cresco750]

Re: Is the special tool relly needed for replacing bellows?

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I have bought an aftermarket set of bellows (all three), and a new gimbal bearing, so it looks like I have a bit of work ahead of me. Oh, and I also have a new set of manifolds and risers, and an electronic distributor to fit, too
The boat hasn't been used for twelve years so I'm choosing to do these items now rather than find out they are had-it the first time it hits te water.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Is the special tool relly needed for replacing bellows?

Let us know how that aftermarket drive shaft bellows works out for you. More trouble than the savings, I hear. But would love to get a review.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Is the special tool relly needed for replacing bellows?

I'm just about to embark on replacing the bellows on my Mercruiser-R. Can they be installed without too much difficulty without the special insertion tool?

spray it with Merc. Power-tune...
It's Slicker'n Snot hold for a few seconds, then it's gone....

Type this in the search box. All kinds of info and suggestions with prior people with the same question
bellow installation help

 

[geneseo1911]

Re: Is the special tool relly needed for replacing bellows?

I would ditch the exhaust bellows and get an exhaust tube. The U-joint bellow is frustrating enough, I couldn't imagine torturing myself with an exhaust bellow, which is both the hardest to do and completely unnecessary.

If you use the tube, the only special tool you need is the crimping pliers for the shift bellow. They can be fabricated if you have a welder, a pair of slip-joint pliers, a 3/4" nut, and a drill. Takes about 5 min to make and works just fine.

Your R-drive (which is what I have) does not have the expander ring mentioned above. Don't forget the adhesive. Get a manual and read the procedure a few times before you start; the adhesive is time sensitive. You can download the manual in the adults only section.