ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

[weider1717]

Hey guys putting a new exhaust bellows on my MR outdrive.

I put exhaust bellows adhevsive on one end of the bellows and poped it right onto the transom side with no problems and through that hole on the side of the outdrive tightened the metal tie ring up really good.

went to put the other end on which would be easy but this new bellows since it isn't streched out is a lot shorter than the used up one I took off so it's going to be hard looks like to get the other end on...would be easy but you gotta strech the bellows long way to get it to fit on.

any tricks to this?

I lowered the foot down so the bellows would be right at where it needs to go on so I wouldn't have to stretch it out to make it reach and it's right there at where it goes on but guess what! no room to get in there with your hands to put it on.

this is me ofcourse replacing it while the foot is not off and I'm not taking the foot off should be able to do this I just wondered if anyone had any tips to get that bellows to go on the other end easy.

 

[justinwhitt]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

These things can be a real "booger" sometimes. Bottom line is it requires alot of patience and persistence. Take a look here, this may help:
http://www.mercstuff.com/bellowsreplacement1.htm

Justin

 

[ziggy]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

you need something like this...
http://www.mercstuff.com/bellowsexpander.htm

then you'll be hip...

 

[weider1717]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

you need something like this...
http://www.mercstuff.com/bellowsexpander.htm

then you'll be hip...

Well, I think that tool is to expand the opening at the ends of the bellows to allow itto fit on easier...thats no problem I can get either end to fit onthe foot easy...

my problem is one end is on and the bellow is new and SHORT andhow do I strecth it out to get it on there...

I don't need to expand the ends/openings..

 

[Don S]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

Look at page 4A-21 of the service manual, then you will know how that tool REALLY works.

 

[weider1717]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

I looked at 4a-21 but it's confusing to me.

sounds like it pulls it onto the flange but can't get in my head how exactly it works out..

with me putting the transom end on already is it too late to go uptown and track down this tool and use it?

or will I have to take the transom end off? i put adhevsive on is why i ask..

 

[Don S]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

Go to ziggies link and scroll down. They have some better pictures of how to use the tool

 

[weider1717]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

ok i see how it works now...but to use it I'd have to take those 6 bolts off and my foot off..not wanting tio do that.

so i guess I'll fight with it and see if i can do it without taking the foot off..

surely i can strecth it up and pop it on might take another set of hands tho

think its possible?

 

[cooter2506]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

Tried it that way and LOST!!!! Bought the tool and was amazed at how much eaiser it was with the drive off and the tool in place.

 

[Dshow]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

Mind you I've never replaced any bellows, but the tool looks like it expands and grabs a rib on the bellows allowing allowing you to pull (stretch) the bellows in place. Then you can pin the tool in place while you tighten the clamp. Pretty slick.

 

[weider1717]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

Tried it that way and LOST!!!! Bought the tool and was amazed at how much eaiser it was with the drive off and the tool in place.

so you tried doing it without taking the drive off too huh? dang..I didn't want to take my foot off!!!!!

I still plan to make a try for it tonight with another set of hands.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

I did it with the leg off, I was able to work it onto the bellhousing with the bellhousing all the way down position pulling and pushing the bellows onto the bellhousing from underneath, then I moved the bellhousing up slightly to tighten the clamp and Viola! A nutdriver on your clamp drive screw is best IMO.

Took me 15 minutes, I was much relieved after it was done, I thought it was going to be this big bad fight without the tool. The bellows were 50*, stiff but pliable.

 

[weider1717]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

It CAN be done! me and my 56 year old dad just came in from getting it on the other end and buttoned up!

we slipped on 2 thin stands of rope on it jacked it mid way up trim wise he got under the foot I pulled like a mad man and he slipped it on and yes I even put the adhevsive on! we did this a couple times before I put the adhevsive for trial runs...

right now it's on and both clamps tight and I have the foot raised and gonna leave it over night it's ALL the way up on there just as much as the other end which was a breeze to put on and easy to get to.

I feel great about it because now all the boots are new well the others are 2 years old...the redneck that put new bellows on for my uncle replaced 2 of the 3 bellows...he didn't replace the exhaust bellows since the boat has through the hull exhaust.

but on the outdrive end if u put your finger through it u can feel into the outdrive therefore a hole in the bellows AIN'T GOOD.

but on the transom end if you look through the flange it's just the backside of my boat and sealed a bit so no problem there.

o well that was some good ole father and son team work haha.

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

all it takes is 2 guys and 4 beers. man up and take the pain. it can be done!

 

[meesh]

Re: ran into prob replacing exhaust bellows, any tips on this?

I've done it both ways. If your alone without the tool you could end up fighting it for hours. With the tool it's a matter of minutes. Your choice and a lot more beer the hard way. Good luck!