1995 Mercruiser 3.0 LX Ripped Bellow

[henrymbrito]

I noticed upon moving the propeller drive from one side to the other that the lower bellow is cracked. Looks like a black rubber boot (accordion like) I can see 2 of them, the higher one being about 8 inches in diameter and the lower one is about 3 inches in diameter and is probably about 5 inches in length. Excuse my ignorance, my SELOC manual is on its way. Upon looking at websites, it seems that it is the exhaust bellow (lower and smaller one)I am referring to. I wanted to know if I can still run my boat the way it is or will there be complications if I do. If I have to replace, do I have to remove the complete outdrive or can I access fromm outside.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 1995 Mercruiser 3.0 LX Ripped Bellow

You can run with a ripped exhaust bellows, (the lower smaller one), but not a driveshaft bellows.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: 1995 Mercruiser 3.0 LX Ripped Bellow

You can run with a hole in the exaust bellows, but it will only get worse. I would replace it. In theory I suppose you could replace it without removing the drive, but it won't be easy. The new bellows are round and the flanges they fit on are oval. There's a special tool to elongate them so they go on easy. I would think that it's almost impossible to do it without removing the drive.J