Alpha one Gen two exhaust bellows came off of drive side

[poconojoe]

2003 4.3L carb engine alpha 1 gen 2
Did all bellows at beginning of season. Noticed today the exhaust bellows came off of drive side. I did use bellows cement and thought I tightened the hose clamp well enough. It was a real pita, but I thought it was good.
Anyway, not wanting to deal with it again, I was thinking to go with an exhaust tube. Should I just leave the bellows the way it is (only connected to the bell housing), or change it to an exhaust tube? Any disadvantages to leaving it the way it is?
Thanks,
Joe

 

[HT32BSX115]

was thinking to go with an exhaust tube. Should I just leave the bellows the way it is (only connected to the bell housing), or change it to an exhaust tube? Any disadvantages to leaving it the way it is?
Thanks,
Joe

Howdy Joe,

My last engine was a 460 King Kobra and it ran with NO exhaust bellows for about 15 years when when I changed the engine.

It was just a little noisier at planing speeds. Didn't seem to hurt anything though.

I don't think running with the exhaust bellows off either the drive or gimbal mount side would really hurt anything.

I have thought about going to a "tube' myself too. They are slightly noisier though.

If mine came off, I would probably just put it back on using adhesive and a new clamp.

Regards,


Rick

 

[poconojoe]

Thanks for the response!
The clamp is still on the bellows. Maybe I'll give it another chance and try and reinstall it. They are a real pain to get on, but everything is there I guess I should try.

 

[HT32BSX115]

They are a REAL pain to be sure!

Anyone else out there in Radio Land have a sure fire way to keep an exhaust bellows on?