Problem getting the exhaust bellows to stay on.

[Jsand]

I have a 1996 reined with a 5.0 L and mercruiser outdrive. I recently replaced the driveline bellows, shift cable boot, and exhaust bellows. I can't seem to get the exhaust bellows to stay on. It has come off 2 times now. I have cleaned all surfaces with acetone and sanded them to make sure all was clean. I cleaned up the glue off the bellows also. I am using quicksilver parts and everything is new. Any ideas? I think perhaps this last time i may have used to much glue. Should i let the glue dry on both surfaces before putting them together? I have a bellows tool, so i know i am pulling it on far enough. Frustrated!

 

[thumpar]

Yes, the adhesive needs to be what looks like dry before you put the parts together.

 

[poconojoe]

It won't hurt anything if it becomes disconnected. It just might be a little louder. Mine became disconnected from the outdrive side last season and I just left it like that. I don't want to fight that thing! I should just change it to an exhaust tube and be done with it. I don't notice it being much louder. I have a mercruser 4.3L with alpha 1 gen 2

 

[Jsand]

Thanks guys

 

[K9Deuce]

Don't glue the exhaust bellows on. Clean it up real good and install it dry. I had the same issues years ago when I glued it on. Since then I stopped using the glue on the exhaust bellows only and I have never had an issue with it staying on. Be sure to use the bellows tool and spray a little" mercruiser spray tune" on the bellows. The spray tune lets it slip rt on and it drys in several minutes, then tighten the clamps.