Alpha One Bellows Issues

[jr88fan]

So I took everything apart and was cleaning out the bellows area. After cleaning up I noticed an area where the drive bellows attaches that was broken off. The bellows had two holes in it that I could put three fingers in so there was lots of water damage but no sign of any metal chunks. I am assuming that someone replaced these before and probably broke this off. I have two questions about this.

1. Is it okay to put the new bellows on and just make sure it's slid all the way up or do I have to replace the transom housing?

2. Can anyone lead me to instructions for how to remove the upper drive shaft so I can replace the ujoints. Everything is pretty rusty and corroded in there.

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha One Bellows Issues

So I took everything apart and was cleaning out the bellows area. After cleaning up I noticed an area where the drive bellows attaches that was broken off. The bellows had two holes in it that I could put three fingers in so there was lots of water damage but no sign of any metal chunks. I am assuming that someone replaced these before and probably broke this off. I have two questions about this.

1. Is it okay to put the new bellows on and just make sure it's slid all the way up or do I have to replace the transom housing?

2. Can anyone lead me to instructions for how to remove the upper drive shaft so I can replace the ujoints. Everything is pretty rusty and corroded in there.

ThanksView attachment 230060

Ayuh,.... Hard to say whether the bellows will glue on there, 'n stay, or not,...

Never used 1, but these repair kits might be something for ya,...

 

[airshot]

Re: Alpha One Bellows Issues

I always recommend the proper mercruiser service manual to all who choose to do it themselves. These are packed with instructions and pictures and procedures. Post you engine and outdrive model numbers and the good folks on this forum will direct you to the proper download. I put mine on my thumb drive took about 20 min, I just open it to the index page and go to the info I need, then copy and print those pages and add them to my loose leaf notebook for future reference. It has been a real Godsend to make thing much easier.

 

[TribalFlounder]

Re: Alpha One Bellows Issues

There is a recessed ring behind that broken area that the bellows locks in to. The kits come with one clamp that fits on the forward part of that recessed ring. The book answer would say to replace it, but the real world answer is as long as it seals it's ok, and that should seal just fine.

 

[jr88fan]

Re: Alpha One Bellows Issues

Thanks Guys! I have the service manual #6 that I download previously and maybe I am missing something but I do not see a procedure for removing the drive shaft and replacing the ujoints. Can you tell me if I am missing something in the manual?

I actually have my laptop hooked up to a 42" TV in my garage so that I can see the blownup images in the manual. That makes is very easy to get everything the correct order.

Relevant serial numbers for my boat

Engine - B558251
Drive Unit - OH463807
Transom Assembly - OB573949

 

[rocky388]

Re: Alpha One Bellows Issues

Thanks Guys! I have the service manual #6 that I download previously and maybe I am missing something but I do not see a procedure for removing the drive shaft and replacing the ujoints. Can you tell me if I am missing something in the manual?

I actually have my laptop hooked up to a 42" TV in my garage so that I can see the blownup images in the manual. That makes is very easy to get everything the correct order.

Relevant serial numbers for my boat

Engine - B558251
Drive Unit - OH463807
Transom Assembly - OB573949

The driveshaft comes out by unscrewing the castle retaining nut. You'll need a special spanner wrench. I found one on Amazon for $40, I've read on here that someone sells them on ebay for $10, not sure of their quality.

 

[Will Fish]

Re: Alpha One Bellows Issues

I've used the bellows repair kit before. You basically epoxy a sleeve on to the transom assembly housing where yours is broken, and install a new bellows (slightly wider and comes in the kit). I only had it for about 3 seasons, then I blew the motor and while the motor was out replaced the entire transom assembly.

I would also be concerned with that wiring shown in the pic. I wouldn't have splices under water or if I had to, I would use heat shrink butt connectors with an additional heat shrink tube over it to prevent shorting out and electrolisis.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Alpha One Bellows Issues

....I do not see a procedure for removing the drive shaft and replacing the ujoints. Can you tell me if I am missing something in the manual?....

Take a close read through entire section 3A in manual #6. 3a-12 shows about removing the drive shaft and 3a-15 about the u-joints but there are also references on other pages.

Mark

 

[jr88fan]

Re: Alpha One Bellows Issues

Thanks Mark!

I am glad you said something because I ordered some parts online and the guy sent me teh manuals on CD. I was referring to those instead of the links on here and oddly enough it was missing Section 3A!

Thanks,
Keith