Main Bellows Positioning

[328ifun]

I cant find any literature on how to position the main bellows.

The boot I purchased has 2 flat ends on one side. Not sure if these go on the transom or the bell housing, up or down...

Here's a pic:

 

[328ifun]

I found a few posts where a few people had said they put the flat sides of the bellows vertical 3 and 9 o'clock on the transom side of the boat.

This would make sense to me so the boot can flex left and right easier.

I just want to be sure

Thanks again everyone. If I can figure this out I should be done tomorrow.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Unless its an off the wall chinese one you should see "TOP" and "FRONT" where the clamps go

 

[NHGuy]

I don't know that the literature is very clear on how to install the driveshaft bellows. But seemingly hidden in the documentation is this...

SERVICE PROCEDURES REQUIRING MAJOR DISASSEMBLY SERVICE MANUAL NUMBER 14

5. Install bell housing between gimbal ring. Push on bell housing and guide U-joint bellows
onto gimbal housing mounting flange.

ie. use the bell housing to shove the bellows onto the transom plate flange before you put the pivots back in to hold the bell housing in the gimbal ring.

 

[328ifun]

Bt Doctur: Not sure if its chinese or not. The whole kits seems to be of good quality. There are no top or front markings unfortuently.

NHGuy, thats helpful. I was going install it on the transom and then pull it onto the housing. Maybe ill try that method first.

Just not sure where the flat sides of this boot should go... Ill probably go with my gut and install them vertical at 3/9 o'clock on the transom side

 

[Bt Doctur]

let me gat a pic , hold on

 

[Bt Doctur]

It looks like the narrow end of the flat is top and the bottom is wider with more material on the bottom
click to enlarge

 

[Bt Doctur]

I was going install it on the transom and then pull it onto the housing.

thats for a GEN II below not an Alpha 1 type. I find it easier to attach to the gimbal side first otherwise you wont get the clamp in the correct position

 

[328ifun]

BT Doctur, you are the man!

That's the exact boot I have, without the markings.

So looking at those pictures, top forward is towards the transom and top aft is towards the bell housing.

I might have my old girl running today - if I can find someone to loan me an alignment rod...

 

[328ifun]

Or do have this right?

Top AFT would be towards the boat or stern?

 

[328ifun]

Is this correct?

Best Answer: Think of them as arrows, aft is always toward the rear. frwd is always toward the bow. , the frwd should be pointing toward the bow (gimble in this case) aft goes the to the drive side or pointing aft