'77 Merc 188 W/ 888 Drive Exhaust Bellows Torn

[Ted K]

Greetings, I have yet to get in the water this year but I did notice the lower bellows between the transom and the drive has a hole in it. I believe this is the exhaust bellows and the guy at the marina said it is not necessary to replace it right away. He mentioned that some folks take them off. Any words of wisdom on this subject would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Ted

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: '77 Merc 188 W/ 888 Drive Exhaust Bellows Torn

You could use this to replace it:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B004AR1F6W/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=15684181&s=automotive

It could be slightly louder if using this. Or you can leave it be until the other bellows needs replaced.

If the u-jpint bellows leaks, you will get a little water coming in the boat & you will trash the gimbal bearing, ujoint, and drive.

If the shift cable bellows leaks, you will have a 3/4" hole of water streaming into your boat and within an hour you will be at the bottom.

The exhaust bellows & shift cable bellows and be changed without taking the hinge pins out. The ujoint bellows requires complete dissassembly.

 

[eldplanko]

Re: '77 Merc 188 W/ 888 Drive Exhaust Bellows Torn

If "ONLY" the exhaust bellows is torn, leave it be until you do the others (U-joint, shift cable). With the engine off, water will be in the exhaust bellows anyways (the aft end the bellows attaches to is basically open to the water). With the engine on, the exhaust pressure keeps the water out.

I'd be worried though that if the exhaust bellows is torn, the u-joint isn't far behind, and you CANNOT safely have a hole in this.