Alpha exhaust bellows question

[Seasprite175]

So my exhaust bellows keeps coming off on the outdrive side ever since the dealer pulled the outdrive to replace the driveshaft bellows. Ive already just about broken my fingers 3 times to get it back on. Ive done glue, no glue, and I've cleaned and sanded.

I didn't know about the exhaust tube option until I read some posts tonight, that will probalby be the way I end up going.

My question is - can I take the boat out this weekend with the stock bellows disconnected at the outdrive side, or will this allow water into placed it shouldn't be?

 

[Maclin]

Re: Alpha exhaust bellows question

You will probably be ok, I would go out with it like that temporarily. What I would be concerned with is beaching and having the stern facing wave action when the drive is up, and also watch slowing down quickly. I just have the feeling that when it is hooked up that any backwash has a tough time trying to get back up the exhaust trail when the engine is off. Not hooked up the backwash would have more of a run at it. Just my opinion.

 

[gshldon]

Re: Alpha exhaust bellows question

actually you should have flappers inside the exhaust pipes to prevent any water getting back into the engine, i have installed the exhaust tube on my boat last winter and have had no problem with it this year at all, they are much easier to install as well, they only attach at the transom side. They are a viable replacement for the bellows and it also provides a little more of a low rumble also.

Good Luck and happy boating

 

[Seasprite175]

Re: Alpha exhaust bellows question

Thanks for the advice

It was in the water for several hours before I noticed it was off and nothing seemed to happen.

Ive heard other people on the site say they run with a hole or split in the bellows without any issues. The season is almost over here in IL so I'm going to take it out. I'm tired of working on it and there will be plenty of cold months to fix it.

 

[meesh]

Re: Alpha exhaust bellows question

You'll be fine, replace it with a tube this winter.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Alpha exhaust bellows question

second for you'll be fine... replace with the tub when you can

 

[cr2k]

Re: Alpha exhaust bellows question

Will be NO different than with the tube on as far as waves and slowing down.
Enjoy the water!

 

[Seasprite175]

Re: Alpha exhaust bellows question

Thanks guys, now I won't worry when I'm trying to enjoy the boat this weekend.