water in U joint bellows

[homelite]

1995 Mercruiser 4.3LX purchased new and never worked on by anyone but me and operated in fresh water. 725 hours, day use only. Every year I pull the drive and lube drive shaft, u joints, etc. This year there was water in the bellow area...just about 1 cup. Bellows seem to be fine. I'm just grasping at straws for info from an experienced Mercruiser guy to see if there any other commom leaks. I did notice the lower shift shaft seal was charred from exhaust and had a very large build up of carbon on it. The upper shift shaft seal appeared to be fine, so I would assume it would keep water out. Needless to say, I ordered a new shift shaft seal and bushing kit today. Is it common for the main gasket (outdrive) to leak a bit? I used a Mercruiser gasket kit last fall (instead of my usual Sierra) with the "spaghetti" material built into the paper gasket material. Perhaps it can separate and allow water to enter??? It was brittle when taken apart. Just looking for a little help. If I still get water, I guess I'll buy the bellow tools and do it! Perhaps I am missing a small crack (but I don't think so).

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: water in U joint bellows

Not that I can help but I will ask a question that the experts will ask right away...maybe I can save you a little time. Are the bellows original from 1995?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: water in U joint bellows

A very high waterlevel in the bilge can allow water to get in there also

 

[homelite]

Re: water in U joint bellows

Not that I can help but I will ask a question that the experts will ask right away...maybe I can save you a little time. Are the bellows original from 1995?

YES THEY ARE! BUT LOOK FINE.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: water in U joint bellows

The paper gasket's function is not to keep water out.....
That is done by the large o-ring......
Is it possible that it came out of place while installing the drive?....
I would drain & pressure test the drive.....
12 year old bellows should be replaced, that is most likely your problem & they bear closer inspection........
You do not need the bellows expander tool to replace the ujoint bellows, btw.....​

 

[Scaaty]

Re: water in U joint bellows

YES THEY ARE! BUT LOOK FINE.

If they are original, and for the last 12 years you have pulled it and greased, etc, and replaced the original bellows...well,
they are WAY over do for making them a doorstop..don't care what they look like