Bellows hole I think (Again)

orrismic

Seaman
Joined
Jul 10, 2004
Messages
60
Hey guys, I have a 1990 four winns freedom 190 with a 3.0 liter OMC I/O. When I first bought the boat 3 years ago I had water streaming in steadily when the boat was not under power and I was told on this forum that it was the bellows. I had them, the bearing, shift cable etc. replaced and the problem stopped. <br /><br />This season I have the same problem. I decided to try and save the 400 bucks and do it myself and this is what I found. I took the lower unit off and the top rubber bellow is full of water. I ran my finger around the ridges and it has about a 1/2" hole in it up near the transom end. I assume this is the cause of my leak, correct? There is a metal wire that seems to reinforce this tube and it looks like the wire end that is bent over is the culprit that caused the hole.<br /><br />Since they have all been replace a couple of years ago, do you think I can just replace this bellow, or is there something else I should look for, or something this leak may have damaged.<br /><br />Lastly, Can someone point me in the direction of where I can pick up this top/largest bellow or a part number.<br /><br />Thanks for all the info in the past, present and future. I really appreciate it.<br /><br />Mike
 

orrismic

Seaman
Joined
Jul 10, 2004
Messages
60
Re: Bellows hole I think (Again)

Couple more things: <br />1. I am also in need of a new gasket that goes on lower unit. (Part number anyone?)<br /><br />2. Do I need to use some kind of sealer around the lip of the rubber bellow? It appears the last installer used something.<br /><br />Thanks again.<br />Mike
 

michael-lagrange

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 3, 2006
Messages
211
Re: Bellows hole I think (Again)

Hi mike;<br />I am half way thru replacing my joint and exaust bellows, cant help with the part # mabey local marine dealer can assist. but i can say what a pain to get em on. i will cut my own gasket from material i got at local auto store and use light film of sealer at o-ring. my manual says;bellows adhesive must be used to ensure a satisfactory instalation. hope it helps.<br /><br /> mike
 

orrismic

Seaman
Joined
Jul 10, 2004
Messages
60
Re: Bellows hole I think (Again)

thanks Mike. I guess I will add bellows sealer to the list also. Wouldn't be spring if I wasn't dumping money into my boat!<br /><br />Mike
 

orrismic

Seaman
Joined
Jul 10, 2004
Messages
60
Re: Bellows hole I think (Again)

Boatin' - thanks<br />rod- freshwater only.
 

lilmandavis

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 9, 2006
Messages
618
Re: Bellows hole I think (Again)

hope you put the extra rib down!!! the extra rib is for when the drive is lifted, there is room to stretch on the bottom of the bellow. and more room to compress on the top ;)
 

orrismic

Seaman
Joined
Jul 10, 2004
Messages
60
Re: Bellows hole I think (Again)

lilmandavis,<br />I had to order the parts but I'm glad to get that little piece of advice. I can't beleive I have to do this again after I just had it done a couple of years ago!
 

mike456

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 23, 2005
Messages
133
Re: Bellows hole I think (Again)

I was checking my Mercruiser bellows recently and found the reinforcement wire that orrismic refers to in the orginal post. Is that supposed to be there or is it something that should have been removed after it was installed? I don't want to end up with the same leak.<br />Thanks
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: Bellows hole I think (Again)

The wire belongs there it keeps the bellows from kinking when you move the drive and rubbing on the u-joints<br /><br /><br />tommays
 

orrismic

Seaman
Joined
Jul 10, 2004
Messages
60
Re: Bellows hole I think (Again)

After looking at the hole in the bellow, I have come to the conclusion that the rubber was in too good of shape to get that hole. What I believe happened was the installer used a screw driver to tighten the hose clamp, sliped and punctured the bellow. When I have the boat beached or passengers in the back of the boat it sits deep enough for water to make it in this puncture.
 
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