bellows replacement please help

[busatom]

Mr Don S. - I am pretty mechanically inclined, but have never changed the bellows. I was given a price of $950 for parts and labor on a merc 454 alpha one- which seems quite pricey? What would it go for, and is it just as easy to do it myself? Thanks,,

Tom

 

[mphy98]

Re: bellows replacement please help

use the search feature of the forum, use bellow replacement and you will see tons of posts on this subject.

.FYI I charge about 450.00 but in the kit you get a shift cable & boot, gimbal boot, gimbal bearing, clamps, gaskets.
this is from "boatdoctor"

 

[muc]

Re: bellows replacement please help

I've seen it go over a grand if water got in. Is it easy? --- Not the first time.
Good Luck Muc

 

[Bondo]

Re: bellows replacement please help

Ayuh,....

I ain't Don, but I'd think that $950. don't sound Too Bad, especially with Parts included in that #....
It depends on the Market in your area,+ whether this is a Saltwater boat....

and is it just as easy to do it myself?

Ayuh,.... Define Easy.......

 

[Don S]

Re: bellows replacement please help

If all they are replacing is the bellows, that price is way over the top.
I would say you need to find out if that is all that is being replaced. If, you had water in the bellows and the ujoints, gimbal bearing, input shaft seal and yoke have to be replaced, along with some other things, you could easily get to 950 bucks. It also depends a lot if they are using the good OEM parts or the junk aftermarket stuff available. You also need to find out their hourly rate. Lots of difference between a place doing it for $50 an hour with aftermarket parts, and one doing the job with OEM parts with a labor rate of $100 an hour.

In a nut shell, you need to find out all the parts they plan on replacing, and if OEM or not, then find out how many hours they are estimating. Then you will have some idea if it's a good price or bad.

 

[busatom]

Re: bellows replacement please help

Mr. Don S. - here was the email I was left, I contacted the guy off of Craigslist in the boating section.------ for me to do a complete back end boot job, would include all new bellows ,shift shaft seal ,shift cable ,trim senders using all mercrusier parts and also split drive and change out complete pump assy. you are looking at about 950.00 ----- Now DOn I just purchased the boat- freshwater use only and have only taken it out for about 2 hours. Not a drop of water in the boat, but I noticed the exhaust bellows was torn bad, and the others were pretty dry rotted. I want to change them before the take a crap, but I dont want to be taken for a fool. I appreciate your help. What normally would be changed when you cahnge the bellows? Thanks,

Tom

 

[captmello]

Re: bellows replacement please help

I'm not Don S., but it sounds like you need to perhaps get a couple of bids in your area. Make sure they are comparing apples to apples. Maybe ask some friends if they can refer a mechanic. You want to establish a relationship with your mechanic/shop if your not going to do your own work.

Go to the shops and talk with the guys. See how they treat you.

I know people advertise on Craigs list, Mobile guys, but I would have to have references.

Good Luck!!

 

[Don S]

Re: bellows replacement please help

I also don't give estimates without looking at the boat, the drive, and the condition of both. Might give some suggestions on what to look for, and things to ask the ones doing the estimates, and maybe give some idea of how many hours a job may take in a perfect world. But that is as far as it goes in most cases.
This is a forum, ask your questions and sort out the answers from those that answer. I am fortunate to be one of many qualified people here at iboats that answer questions when we can.

 

[meesh]

Re: bellows replacement please help

I would do everything on that list as long as you have it apart anyway. Make sure the gimbal bearing and alignment are checked as well. If you are mechanicaly inclined, get a manual and do it yourself. It's not that hard and you will save yourself a whole lot of money.

 

[rainman240cs]

Re: bellows replacement please help

I'm no mechanic,but am trying to learn. check out u-tube and search TC Electronics Marine. They have some great step by step videos for bellows replacment. I think even I could do it after watching it!