New exhaust bellows install

[maddog2112]

Hello all, I had my 06 Q6 lower unit bellows replaced, upper and lower. The shop installed a new type of exhaust bellows that is only attached to the forward side and is open when lower unit is raised. It engages when lower unit is full down. Has anyone ever dealt with this type of exhaust bellows? The guy swore it`s a new style and works great.

 

[GA_Boater]

What motor/put drive? The boat doesn't matter.

Mercruiser has an exhaust tube just like you described. Have you driven the boat since the bellows replacement? Often the tube is a little louder.

 

[maddog2112]

Mercruiser. 5.0 alpha1 gen2. I haven't had her on the lake yet. I just wanted to make sure that new bellows type was legit. I will keep all posted on whether it's too much louder and what not. Thanks for your input.

 

[harringtondav]

It's an exhaust tube as GA stated. I think your mechanic did himself a favor by installing it. It is much simpler than a regular bellows since the out drive doesn't need to be removed to install. The other advantage is it doesn't stretch and fail in trailer like the regular bellows. Some boaters choose the tube because they tend to get a more throaty, "through the hull" exhaust sound.

 

[maddog2112]

That's what I figured also. They did have the drive off to replaced the gimbal bearing and it's bellow as well. I can see it's a lot easier to install the tube versus the original exhaust bellows. I know the exhaust bellows can be replaced with the drive on but it's a real pain in the ass. The guy said if it's too loud they will install the original type at no cost. I just didn't want to screw screw anything up as I had never seen the tube before. If it works properly, I can see where it should last longer than the original type.

 

[Tim in TN]

When I had mine replaced they installed this new kind. The boat sounds better and I don't know any disadvantages to it.

 

[maddog2112]

Thanks Tim. I can see where it`s a helluva lot easier to install one. I`ll report on it after I get her to the lake.