Replacing Bellows Alpha one Gen 2 Questions

[viper1216]

Good morning,

I need to replace my water pump this year (2 years old) and figured I should probably do the bellows while I have it apart. Boat is 15 years old and I'm pretty sure they are original. I did the bellows on an Alpha 1 Gen 1 - 7 or 8 years ago...wondering if there is much difference in the Gen 2, or basically the same thing. Is there anything else I should do while I have it all apart? I will be replacing the Gimbal bearing as that seems common to do and comes with the kit, but anything else that's common at the same time? Another question is on my swim platform. My boat has a big platform off the back that makes any type of drive work a pain (literally) since I need to duck under it. I'm 6' tall, so have to kneel the whole time, and smash my head repeatedly in the process. I figured I could pop the platform off, but wondering if it's not as easy as it looks and I'm opening up a huge can of worms trying to take it off. Any info greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!!

 

[muc]

Gen2 impellers usually last way more then 2 years, but it does sound like it might be time for a bellows job.

R+R of a swim platform is a lot of work. I’m over 6’ also and I jack the trailer up on blocks, then sit on a chair.

I usually recommend the trim senders be replaced at this time. They seem to fail about the same time bellows do. They can be replaced later without removing the drive, but it’s much easier to do them with the bellows off.

The ujoint bellows attach to the bell housing housing with a sleeve instead of a hose clamp. Might want to buy or make the tool that’s recommended for that.

Suggest you read the factory manual.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I found I could just insert the ring using my fingers and with a good dose of carb cleaner as a rubber lubricant. When I tried to use the installer tool for that ring it just got in its own way. Otherwise, the bellows job, like muc said, is pretty much same as your older Alpha 1. I wouldn't replace an impeller in a Gen2 without 5 years on it at least.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I agree with Rick; using Power Tune or carb cleaner makes installation of the sleeve on the bell housing a snap. I wouldn't waste any money on the special tool, just get some Power Tune.

In addition to replacing the trim limit switch and the trim sender, you might want to replace the shift cable while you have everything apart.

 

[muc]

In addition to replacing the trim limit switch and the trim sender, you might want to replace the shift cable while you have everything apart.

Good call, can’t believe I missed that. 2X on the inner transom cable.

 

[viper1216]

Oh wow, 5 years on the pump? Damn, I have always done it every other season. Well with that said, think I can leave the bellows for this year and do them next year or the year after? There is nothing wrong with them. No dry rot or splits or anything. They look like they are in good condition. And that's what I thought about the swim platform. Feared it would be way more work than it was worth. I'll leave it alone.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Oh wow, 5 years on the pump? Damn, I have always done it every other season. Well with that said, think I can leave the bellows for this year and do them next year or the year after? There is nothing wrong with them. No dry rot or splits or anything. They look like they are in good condition. And that's what I thought about the swim platform. Feared it would be way more work than it was worth. I'll leave it alone.

Hard part with a swim platform is not pulling and reinstalling (which can be hard all by itself and require help), it is that all the screws or bolts must be perfectly sealed when finished or you end up rotting out a transom. That's what makes it such a PITA is the care taken to get them sealed back up perfectly.

Sounds like you can run for a year or two as long as there are no problems. Good deal!

Rick

 

[achris]

Oh wow, 5 years on the pump? Damn, I have always done it every other season. ....

Don't go that long on the oil though... Change that every 2 to 3 years... BTW, I've seen 10+ year old pumps come out still looking like new. My drive is 14 years old, and it's 3rd impeller went in 12 months ago. The bellows, gimbal bearing, trim senders and shift cable are all still original. And this is not uncommon for the Gen II drives.

Chris......

 

[Scott06]

My experience with a gen II is similar , my boat is a 2004 still on original bellows, gimbal, and shift cable. I replaced the impeller at that time, nothing wrong with original impeller. Did the impeller on my friends 2000 boat ten year old impeller was just fine. In my opinion really makes the case for OEM parts when you do need to replace. I closely inspect mine spring and fall, will replace when they stop looking new....

+2 on gear line, worth the $20 to change annually

 

[viper1216]

Fantastic!! Yeah, for the minimal cost and effort, I always change the gear oil every year. I do it the same time I change the engine oil and look at it as annual preventative maintenance.