Alpha 1 gen 1 U joint bellows

[tfret]

So I pulled the outdrive yesterday and did a close inspection of my U joint bellows. I did find a hole about two ribs back from the gimbal bearing at about 11 o’clock on the port side. I could just push my index finger through the hole. And it felt rough like something had rubbed a hole there. Otherwise the rubber looks new. No cracks or signs of aging. So obviously it must be replaced. I’m having a really hard time finding a good video on how to do this job. And the service manual leaves a lot to be desired. Could someone point me to a good video or even a good write up on how to tackle this job? Thanks in advance.

 

[alldodge]

Look at you tube
There are 3 that show up with "alpha 1 bellows replacement"

 

[Bt Doctur]

And the service manual leaves a lot to be desired. Could someone point me to a good video or even a good write up on how to tackle this job? Thanks in advance.

Not if your using a merc manual Are you near central NJ

 

[tfret]

Yes, all but one of these videos are gen 2, which yes are similar, but not exactly the same. They are all very sloppy, or only show party of the job, or only talk about the job after the job is already complete. Again, not much help really. I picked up a couple pointers here and there but don’t really have a good understanding of the sequence that should be followed. There seems to be a coiled wire spring inside my bellow also. I’m not sure how it is supposed to go in or if mine is in correctly or what. As common as this job must be I’m really surprised there isn’t more detailed info about how to go about it. Mostly what I’m finding are a bunch of people cussing about what a PIA this is!

 

[Bt Doctur]

The inner spring is factory installed , nothing for you to do with it.A complete bellow/boot, shift cable is about 4 hours.. Just remember how the clamps were installed or how they need to be installed.
To install:
Install shift cable bellow, glue and clamp, install shift cable sheath and lubricate
look at bellow, it says fore and aft or just aft. apply to the gimbal housing first glue and clamp
Install water hose on transom side
Dry test fit /test procedure to install bellow on transom side .Once your familiar apply glue, install bellow , tighten clamp
slip water hose on gimbal side ,tighten clamp
install exaust bellow or sleeve, install drive

 

[Rick Stephens]

Sent you a PM.

 

[wahlejim]

The reason for a lack of video on the whole process is two-fold:
1) You are working in tight spaces. The areas you need to work in to get at clamps and to verify the bellows is installed correctly are really hard to get a good video of with correct lighting.

2) The stuff that is missing from these videos just involves putting pressure on the right spot at the right time. There is a lot of "feel" involved with getting these things on. It is really not possible to video "feel".

The first time you do it, take your time and ask questions here. Take pictures or videos if you feel something is amiss and we can help you. After you do it once, the subsequent times are much easier.

 

[tfret]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm in the process of getting all the parts and tools together. I'll let you know if I get stuck!

 

[poconojoe]

I found that using a flexible socket extension helps to get to those hose clamp nuts.

 

[poconojoe]

Manuals are here...they are very good and explain step by step:
http://boatinfo.no/lib/library.html