Alpha 1 repaired correctly??

[Ken B]

Hello, been awhile since I've posted, but I had new bellows put on my 1994 Alpha 1. I notice today the new ones have hose clamps on them. I don't ever remember hose clamps being used? Is this normal? I knew I might be in trouble with these guys when I also had them put a new trim tab and the prop would hit it so they used a file on the prop to keep it from hitting. I blew up on that one, so not sure if they'll talk much on the hose clamps. I moved and couldn't use my old dependable mechanic. Thanks for any input

 

[Bt Doctur]

Fear not, those clamps are supposed to be there . you either didn't see your or they had corroded away and you were very lucky.
you can file/cut the trim tab to clear the prop or use a flat one

 

[NHGuy]

Yah, but not the propeller! I'd rip them one too after I twisted their arm to replace or rework the prop to my satisfaction.

 

[BrianNJ]

...those clamps are supposed to be there .

Indeed

 

[achris]

1994 is a Gen II drive... The uni bellows have a hose clamp on the transom end and an internal locking ring on the drive end (which you can only see when you remove the drive)... The exhaust bellows have a hose clamp at each end, the shift bellows have a hose clamp on the transom end and either a small steel clamping ring or a plastic cable tie at the drive end. Which bellows are you referring to? As for the trim tab, unless it's a 3.0 litre, the 'trim tab' should be a flat anodic plate. If it is the 3.0litre, then if it interfered with the prop Mercury recommend 2 solutions. 1. stop using the old style 'long' tabs or 2. file the trim tab... When the Black Max prop was first introduced it did interfere with the tab, hence the change to the shorter one...

Chris.......

 

[Ken B]

Thanks for all your help, I took a flat file and gave it a nice curve, looks factory. I'm glad the clamps are correct, but after catching them using a file on the prop I look at everything as if it is wrong. I did rip them a new one and they would only say "sorry about that". When they started they told me it would be between $450 and $550 so I automatically assumed $550. When they called me I ask how much and they said $890.00. That was my first explosion. After a few choice words it cost me $550. Thanks again, nice to talk to the real experts.

 

[Villain lll]

I got a surprise many years back when I had work done on my Alpha 1, replacing the lower shift cable. Took the boat out and immediately felt it getting "heavy" at the stern. The bilge was filling up quickly and that's when I found out the bilge pump wasn't operating either. The mechanic had forgotten to tighten the hose clamp on the shift cable. Once I found a sandy beach, I had a plastic canister that I was able to use and empty out the bilge far enough while others pinched off the leak to head back to the launch ramp. Got the boat out of the water, got a hose clamp and all was well. Now, years later, I check the bilge pump every time I'm headed out prior to launch. I also always carry my tools on board. Carefully inspect any work completed before heading back out. Lessons we learn as we go.

 

[achris]

....and that's when I found out the bilge pump wasn't operating either. ....

Which is why I have 2 bilge pumps....