RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

[Fordiesel69]

I want to make 100% certain that the U Joint bellows is the ONLY place water is coming in. Can I wipe the bellows with acetone, then apply a super thick coat of RTV over the crack and turn the drive to compress it. Then in 24 hrs test drive the boat just long enought to check.

By all means this is not a fix, just enough to rule out other water leaks without spending $500-700 to find out the transom housing has a leak also.

 

[Bondo]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

Ayuh,... Ya can do anything ya want, but I really doubt sillyseal will hold, even for a minute...

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

Well of course.........

Just asking if anyone had success before I waste my time. Not looking for shortcuts to skimp on a NEEDED, proper repair. But do not want to buy a boat that has a major leak elsewhere + pay money for new bellows and have it be something more serious.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

Sillycone will rip right off rubber if it's put under stress, like trying to seal a fold in the bellows.

Not that I'm suggesting it rolleyes but if you clean the bellows really well, maybe sand the area a bit, super glue might hold long enough for a test. Clean, glue, clamp for 15-30 minutes. Just don't glue yourself to the bellows in the process :facepalm:

This is of course, is just for a test. I wouldn't run like this as the Ujoints and gimble bearing are suspect and most likely need to be replaced due to water intrusion.

 

[Don S]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

How would you be sure your sillycone patch wouldn't leak. Just because my patch might fix a hole temporarily in a bellows, doesn't mean yours will hold.
Let's say for a moment you patched it with sillycone. Backed the boat in the water and pulled the boat back out and pulled the drive and there was water in there. Did your patch leak? Mine didn't. So, you plan on replacing the transom shield ???
If I had water in my bellows, I would replace the bellows first, then I would know the problem was not the bellows. Then if it leaked I would be scratching my head.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

He is looking at buying the boat... Of course he is naturally scared of rotten transom..

This thread I thought was kinda funny so I had to come have a look...

$700?? Is that the going rate for a bellows install on a Cobra??

 

[DBreskin]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

$700?? Is that the going rate for a bellows install on a Cobra??

For $700 each I'd do Cobra bellows installs all day long.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

For $700 each I'd do Cobra bellows installs all day long.

Right?
I haven't had to take anything to a shop in a LONG while and that price was shocking... Maybe someone will know what the flat rate is for that job...

ALL else fails, you know what they say.. DUCT TAPE

Install the plug.. Tilt up the bow as high as you can and fill the bilge with water... You might get lucky and see a leak.. Don't matter if you get water in the bellows.. The already have a hole to drain:facepalm:

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

I called every marina? The $700 includes bellows, cable, gimble bearing, cable adjustment procudure, and upper yoke seal. Labor & parts. This is also the going rate for a merc. Each shop was within $50-100.

If I knew how to do bellows, I would be doing it!

I am taking a gamble.

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

For $700 each I'd do Cobra bellows installs all day long.

I'd do them all day for 300.00 each!!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

I'd do them all day for 300.00 each!!!!

He's getting a lot more than just a bellows for that $700, read the OP's reply of what is included. The parts alone are going to be over $300, you plan to change them daily for free? You will have people knocking at your door.

The $700 includes bellows, cable, gimble bearing, cable adjustment procudure, and upper yoke seal. Labor & parts.

I would bet they also had ujoints in that quote as well, they get just as rusty as the gimbal bearing. The shift cable is not something normally done with a new bellows.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

I am just paranoid so I asked them to do the cable anyways from reading the horror.

I picked up the boat and will dump it off to the marina monday. With luck I may have it by the following weekend or midweek.

I beleive he did add ujoints in the quote it is right there and easy to do at that time.

If this is all thats wrong, I guess it is a bargain, but my luck is not always in my favor....

 

[davidonmars]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

I am just paranoid so I asked them to do the cable anyways from reading the horror.

I picked up the boat and will dump it off to the marina monday. With luck I may have it by the following weekend or midweek.

I beleive he did add ujoints in the quote it is right there and easy to do at that time.

If this is all thats wrong, I guess it is a bargain, but my luck is not always in my favor....

I'd tackle doing the bellows yourself.I just did them on my boat and it was pretty straight forward thanks to help I got on this forum!!!Also did the u joints while i was at it

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: RTV'ing a Ripped Bellows as a temp fix.............

go ahead and sink it