Bellows install HELP

[rsheets89]

Over the passed month I have been working on replacing bellows and gimble bearing on my boat. Its a 91 Dynasty Elan. Got the v6 mercruiser and Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive, serial OD478117. Based of the serial I ordered a kit from wholesale marine, sierra 18-8206-1 prior to removing the bell housing. I was ready to begin install today when I noticed the U J bellows I got in the kit is the kind that goes inside the bell housing with the ring but the one that I removed was the one that goes around the outside with a clamp. My manual install is referencing the internal and there is a lip inside the bell housing where I Could see it possible. I don't know if my new bellows will work or if I have the wrong part. Help please!

 

[rsheets89]

tried to upload a few pictures but there all to big and I cant figure out how to resize them

 

[Rick Stephens]

Welcome iBoats forum. You can't post pics until you have 3 posts I think. PLus you have to resize under 700K, if I am not mistaken. BTW< this forum is available as an aid to iBoats the store, a Sierra and Mercruiser dealer. Might delete where you bought your SIerra kit. And if I had any kind of recommendation it would be ALWAYS buy Merc OEM parts when replacing rubber like bellows.

If you have a Gen2, then it will have the bellows with the inner fit on the bell housing and the retainer ring that goes inside that. Only Alpha 1 used the clamp. Your serial number does indicate a Gen 2, but your description definitely for a Alpha 1.

Here's a good photo to tell the difference at a glance:

 

[rsheets89]

When referencing that picture my unit is definitely and Alpha one. So why does my serial number relate to Gen 2? And does that mean my bellows definitely wont work? What about the rest of the parts? Could I just order the proper U J bellows and the rest are OK?

 

[Bt Doctur]

your serial number comes back as a Alpha 1 , not a Alpha GEN II

 

[Rick Stephens]

your serial number comes back as a Alpha 1 , not a Alpha GEN II

Ha. Mercruiser didn't follow their own serial number range plan. Or I don't understand how to count. Even the 'How to ID an Alpha 1' picture above shows his serial number in the Gen2 range. I don't mind being wrong now and then, though... good thing!

rsheets89, depending on your kit, yes, you can replace the u-joint bellow with an earlier one. Take my advice and get a OEM one, they are TONS easier to install.