Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

[pikiewicz]

Hi all,
Just installed all new bellows, shift cable, trim switches etc. on a 1989 alpha 1 175 hp v6. I noticed while installing that the exhaust bellows seemed a bit stretched while in trailer position. Like, a banjo string tight in trailer position Ran the boat and trimmed the drive all the way up in trailer position. When I trimmed it up I noticed the exhaust bellows fell off the outdrive side. So I cleaned,re attached with adhesive that was dry, reclamped and boom same thing they just don't seem long enough. They are sierra direct replacement they just seem too short. I checked with a local mechanic and he threw a tube he called a trumpet at me made by mallory. He said this is the fix to my problem. Can I run this tube rather than the bellows? I am looking for comment as to if I should install this tube or buy another set of exhaust bellows. Your thoughts?

 

[danond]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

How does the new part compare to the old part?

 

[Jerico]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

I had fits getting the exhaust bellows to stay on my 88 alpha1. Talked to an old boat mechanic. He said clean everything really good again, sand where it connects to rough it up, and DO NOT use any type of adhesive/sealer on it. It hasn't come loose since.

Someone else will probably jump in and confirm it, but if I remember correctly the later models used a tube instead of a bellows on the exhaust.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

I had fits getting the exhaust bellows to stay on my 88 alpha1. Talked to an old boat mechanic. He said clean everything really good again, sand where it connects to rough it up, and DO NOT use any type of adhesive/sealer on it. It hasn't come loose since.

Someone else will probably jump in and confirm it, but if I remember correctly the later models used a tube instead of a bellows on the exhaust.

I have heard the same thing about the use of glue - ironically enough it actually creates more problems on the exhaust bellows.

Same thing with the tube - many people convert to the tube. Only problem with the tube is that it opens up the possibility of water ingestion when beached if a wave hits it just right... at least in theory.

 

[pikiewicz]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

Thanks for the replies. Any objection to the tube? It seems easier and less hassle? Is it something that works and is recomended?

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

Personally, I am going with the tube. I have been fighting just trying to attach the exhaust bellows to the outdrive side. How did you get it on there? Did you have the bellows expander? Anyways, a marine mechanic said that there are many more pro's with the tube. They last longer than the bellows, and nowhere near such a pain to put on. I am waiting for my tube to come in the mail now.

 

[Jerico]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

I took a flat piece of metal, rounded the edges with a file and bent the end 90 degrees. Of course, after the bellows coming off 3 or 4 times I also had it figured out how to get it back on without too much trouble...

 

[pikiewicz]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

I put the exhaust bellows on with a rounded piece of iron and my fingers on the outside and pushed it on. I made sure it was past the paint marks by about 1/8 inch. It still fell off. I am up for the no glue idea but I thought, why not just put on the tube and call it done. So what I gather is the tube is OK to use. Is that right?

 

[MikDee]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

Yes, I've used it, it's so much easier!

 

[wil7483]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

I used adhesive and a butter knife bent at a 45 degree angle to get mine on. Have not had any problems at all out of them. They've stayed on for the past 2 years.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

tube is OK to use. Is that right?

Yep. A good option. Just keep in mind the possible downside I mentioned above. Not a big deal - just something to be aware of.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

I like the bellows better but I have a low performance 6 cylinder.
My exhaust bellows has stayed on no problems I used my fingers to get it on and used no adhesive. I even gave it a little tug last time I launched my boat, solid as a rock. I got the clamps goodentight.

 

[87 caravelle]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

my merc manual states that of an exhaust bellow is damaged, replace it with a tube. for one its easier to replace(5mins). also it states that in some applications the bellow got hot and expanded causing it to chafe on the u joint bellow causing premature failure to both bellows. something to consider!

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

my merc manual states that of an exhaust bellow is damaged, replace it with a tube.

Just who makes your Merc manual? Have never seen that info in any OEM manual.

 

[87 caravelle]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

don, ill get that info asap. i have two manuals for my 87 glasstream 187 caravelle w/ 3.0 mercruiser and alpha one. im not sure the company who make the manual but it has a red and white open bow w/ a man at helm, and the other is something like selco or sec. something. but i know i read that in one of them. ive read both cover to cover.

 

[87 caravelle]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

don, i was close to accurate. clymer mercruiser shop manual for stern drives 1986-1994. pg 525 second paragraph. says its for early alpha one w/ v8 but whats the difference? heat is heat..right?

 

[dpatzari]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

Where did you find the Mallory Trumpet.. Any info is appreciated. I too am having a hard time replacing the exhaust bellows on my Alpha 1. Damn thing is too short ..even tried dipping it in boiling h20 and givin it a stretch.. yeah right

 

[MikDee]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

Where did you find the Mallory Trumpet.. Any info is appreciated. I too am having a hard time replacing the exhaust bellows on my Alpha 1. Damn thing is too short ..even tried dipping it in boiling h20 and givin it a stretch.. yeah right

Right here Man!

http://www.iboats.com/Mercruiser_Ex...1448699--**********.538230198--view_id.270386

 

[ScarabSprint]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

My performance show put in a whole new outdrive since i hit a rock. Good thing had insurance. He said I could leave off the exhaust bellow.. My little 3.0 sounds alot better and exhaust don't go through my outdrive hence the clean polished stainless prop.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Alpha 1 exhaust bellows slipping off

Well:

1. If you have your flappers in the exhaust tube, no problem with water from a passing boat while beached using the tube. And hey it's a lot easier.

2. Is no one going to address the fact that he ran the thing with the drive all the way up? DO NOT DO THIS. Unless of course you like pulling the drive and replacing u-joints. That is why there is a trim limit.

Proper way to use bellows adhesive is like contact cement. Super clean surface. Apply to both surfaces and let dry. You can use some windex or spit to "lube" it to get it on and then clamp it.