Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

[otgdy]

I just installed the drive shaft bellows on my Alpha 1 and did not get the click of the
seal entering the grove. The areas where the bellows attaches to are pretty beat up
(it is an 84 unit) and with the glue gelling real fast it was almost impossible to maneuver
after a few minutes. I think it is there but need to confirm this. Is there some place on the
housings that I can look/measure and see if it is there or not ?

The first rib (?) of the bellows is even with the innermost part of the metal tubes that the
bellows attaches to. Eye-balling it appears close. This doesn't make me feel super cushie.

If there isn't any way to verify this. Is there any way to remove the bellows without destroying it?

Thanks
OTG

BTW Getting the outdrive pressure tested was the BEST Advise !!! The shift shaft bushing was leaking. Didn't even know it was there. What a catch that was. Thanks again !

 

[makonnen]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

Hey I'd love to help but I have no idea what you're talking about!

What seal and groove are you talking about?

Try using the proper terms and posting a picture.

The part of the leg that is mounted to / touches the transom of the boat is the gimbal housing. Next is the gimbal ring that attaches to that housing. The gimbal ring has steering pins / bushings and is allowed to turn left and right. The trim senders attach to the gimbal ring. Next is the bellhousing ... the hinge pins threads into the bellhousing assembly.

The driveshaft bellows connects to the gimbal housing with a hose clamp. On the other side the DS bellows connects to the bellhousing by way of a metal ring.

 

[mpdive]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

Don can probably answer better than anyone on this.....I think the Gen 2 uses the metal snap ring but not the older drives. I think he is referring to having the bellows pulled up enough grooves for proper seating. I'm not a drive expert though.

 

[otgdy]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

On the inside of the drive shaft bellows there is a ridge (more like a raised rubber ring) and on the transom/bell housings there is a
grove that this ridge fits into. When you put the bellows in place it clicks into place and you can usually feel it. In my case I didn't feel or hear it click into place. So I am questioning if it is or not and if anyone has the measurements maybe that would help me determine if I need to pull the bellows and put it back on again.


This unit is one over the very first Alpha 1's to come out. BTW
OTG

 

[Pete104]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

No, there is no measurement to indicate wether or not a bellows is set properly. Maybe an experienced would look & say, yes or no. But nothing in print.
Take it off & try again. If you are (should be) using bellows adhesive, clean it off & try it dry. Might feel it then.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

Put bellows adhesive (pull of the bellows and clean everything) on both surfaces and let dry. Then use some merc spray or even carb spray as a lube to slide them together. Windex, spit, anything that will "lube" the action and evaporate. Makes it a lot easier.
Although I use silicone on exhaust hoses I would not recommend it on the drive bellows. Run your fingers around on the inside to "seat' it.

 

[Jerryh3]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

The bellows should feel flat all the way around if it is properly seating in the ridge. Make sure the groove is completely cleaned out and try applying glue to only the bellows and let it dry before installing. Also, the side of the bellows with the sleeve doesn't get glued. If you are using glue there, it is probably preventing the bellows from seating properly in the ridge. Do you have the service manual?

 

[otgdy]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

The bellows should feel flat all the way around if it is properly seating in the ridge. Make sure the groove is completely cleaned out and try applying glue to only the bellows and let it dry before installing. Also, the side of the bellows with the sleeve doesn't get glued. If you are using glue there, it is probably preventing the bellows from seating properly in the ridge. Do you have the service manual?

I am following you until you get to the sleeve. What sleeve ? I did glue both the bellows and the housings (transome/bell) which is why I probably don't "feel it". Read earlier about using windex prior to installing it. Doesn't this mess up the adhesive ? Power tune would probably work great also but who knows what it will do to the adhesive . Not real sure where to call the line with this .. You guys probably do this a lot more than I do. Last time I replaced a Bellows was back in '71 and I just muscled it on.

Any way to get the bellows off without destroying it ? Suggestions ?

Thanks
OTG

 

[Pete104]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

I am following you until you get to the sleeve. What sleeve ? I did glue both the bellows and the housings (transome/bell) which is why I probably don't "feel it". Read earlier about using windex prior to installing it. Doesn't this mess up the adhesive ? Power tune would probably work great also but who knows what it will do to the adhesive . Not real sure where to call the line with this .. You guys probably do this a lot more than I do. Last time I replaced a Bellows was back in '71 and I just muscled it on.

Any way to get the bellows off without destroying it ? Suggestions ?

Thanks
OTG

He's referring to installing the bellows on a GEN II.
You have to glue both ends on your application. The "power tune" is used as a lube for getting the water hose & exhaust bellows on!

 

[Jerryh3]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

He's referring to installing the bellows on a GEN II.
You have to glue both ends on your application. The "power tune" is used as a lube for getting the water hose & exhaust bellows on!

I guess I should have looked at the year.

 

[otgdy]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

He's referring to installing the bellows on a GEN II.
You have to glue both ends on your application. The "power tune" is used as a lube for getting the water hose & exhaust bellows on!

Oh OK. Thought I missed a part when I put this back together.
I used powertune on the water hose .. worked great !
Do either of you have an alpha 1 ? Wondering if the drive bellows is pushed up against the ridge on the transom.
If I rotate the bell housing and the bellows doesn't come off wonder if that would be a valid test ?

I really don't want to mess with this PIA again. And I haven't even started on the exhaust bellows yet.

What would happen if the bellows does come off in the water ? The seals should keep the water out of the boat right ?

OTG

 

[fmalott]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

Oh OK. Thought I missed a part when I put this back together.
I used powertune on the water hose .. worked great !
Do either of you have an alpha 1 ? Wondering if the drive bellows is pushed up against the ridge on the transom.
If I rotate the bell housing and the bellows doesn't come off wonder if that would be a valid test ?

I really don't want to mess with this PIA again. And I haven't even started on the exhaust bellows yet.

What would happen if the bellows does come off in the water ? The seals should keep the water out of the boat right ?

OTG

i just did my bellows i know which ring your talking about on the alpha 1. when i put the ujoint bellow on the gimbal housing some of the ring you heard the pop other section of the ring didn't pop but it was still in place it's pretty hard to take pictures but i could see in the housing enough that it was in place i also stuck my hand in there to feel around to see if the ring went in place. i used the exhaust bellows expander tool to push the ujoint bellow on it was very easy to install and it pushed the bellow ring onto the gimbal housing groove very easily

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

What would happen if the bellows does come off in the water ?

Depends upon how big your bilge pump is and whether or not you are wearing a life jacket.

The seals should keep the water out of the boat right ?

No. If the drifeshaft bellows comes off while you are on the water you are in big trouble. You definitely want it done right.

You mentioned earlier ...

The areas where the bellows attaches to are pretty beat up

If by "beat up" you mean part of it is corroded up and even missing, then you probably need to find another transom assembly. What exactly do you mean by "beat up?"

 

[fmalott]

Re: Wish it would just click already - Alpha 1 bellows install

i followed the manual to a tee and it made my life putting these damm bellows on so much easier. the exhaust bellow and the shift cable bellow you put on the gimbal housing first then you put the ujoint bellow on the bell housing first then put the water hose on both ends once you have done this you move to the next step you put the ujoint bellow on the gimbal housing( make sure the ring is in place LOL! ) then you put the hinge pins back in place torque down then you put the exhaust bellow on the bell housing with a expander tool and your done
p.s. my flanges were beat up to i just took a wire brush to them cleaned them up and there good to go