2004 mercruiser 3.0 exhaust hose?

[Fishfearme1174]

Trimmed engine all the way up and noticed the exhaust hose (I think) that connects to the exhaust outlet from boat and routes it up through out drive housing has broken off and torn apart. Attached is the pic. Should this be repaired before taking boat out? Really been looking fed to getting it out this weekend. Also any suggestions on how to get a screwdriver in there to remove the hose clamp?

 

[jakedaawg]

Hard to see from the pic but if it is the bottom bellows the boat wont sink. It may just be a little louder when on plane. To remove hose clamps use a 5/16" (some have 7mm also) swivel socect on the end of a 12" 1/4"drive extension. To replace bellows you need to pull outdrive and gimbal housing. The exhaust bellows can be a real PITA. The make special plier like expanders to help.

 

[thumpar]

It will still work but I would be worried about the u-joint or shift bellows going next since they are almost always replaced as a set. If those go you will get water in the boat and if it is the u-joint bellows the water will get in the gimbal bearing and possibly the drive. It is not a hard job to do them all. The tool for the exhaust bellows can be made for $3 from common hardware store parts. That is how I got mine on. It made it really easy.

 

[Fishfearme1174]

Thank both of you for your reassuring replies. I didn't think of the swivel socket though I'm no mechanic either. . If love to know or see a pic of the special tool made from big box store components and what that tool is used for.

 

[Bondo]

Thank both of you for your reassuring replies. I didn't think of the swivel socket though I'm no mechanic either. . If love to know or see a pic of the special tool made from big box store components and what that tool is used for.

Ayuh,..... Click here, 'n scroll down to #8,.....

It's used to stretch the bellows into place,....

 

[poconojoe]

A good tool to have for this is a 1/4" flexible ratchet extension. It will get you in those tight spots when doing bellows.