Bellows replacement - special tools required?

[watchinthebobber]

Re: Bellows replacement - special tools required?

Well I got my parts order in today. I decided to hold off on the Merc hinge pin tool. Seems to be more success with a 1/2" hex bit and I can save a few bucks.

Parts will take about a week so I'll start disassembly in the meantime and post here when I get stuck or have questions.

Thanks!

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Bellows replacement - special tools required?

You attach the u-joint bellow to the outdrive side first and stick it onto the transome side later

 

[watchinthebobber]

Re: Bellows replacement - special tools required?

You attach the u-joint bellow to the outdrive side first and stick it onto the transome side later

Ok, I'm a bit confused by this. The manual doesn't cover it too clearly either. I'm reading out of section 4B starting at 4B-62. I can't find the step where it shows connecting and tightening the clamp on the transom side of the u-joint bellows. If I attached it to the bell housing first and then tried to put the bell housing in place how would I go about tightening the clamp on the transom side? It makes sense to me that you would want to have all 3 bellows glued and clamps tightened on the gimbal side before attempting to mate the bell housing.

I'm sure this will probably make more sense once things are apart and I'm staring at actual parts.

 

[achris]

Re: Bellows replacement - special tools required?

I've done quite a few of these Gen II bellows, and yes, you do the bell housing end first... I tried it the other way the first time I did it... Can't be done... Bell housing end first....

 

[watchinthebobber]

Re: Bellows replacement - special tools required?

I've done quite a few of these Gen II bellows, and yes, you do the bell housing end first... I tried it the other way the first time I did it... Can't be done... Bell housing end first....

Thanks. So I completely install it with the sleeve on the bell housing end first or just seat it in the flange? Glue is not necessary on the sleeve/bell housing side right?

 

[watchinthebobber]

Re: Bellows replacement - special tools required?

I generally leave them connected.... It's not worth the hassle to remove them...

Chris, would you also recommend replacing the raw water hose while I'm in there or does it really depend on condition? What usually goes wrong with them?

 

[achris]

Re: Bellows replacement - special tools required?

Chris, would you also recommend replacing the raw water hose while I'm in there or does it really depend on condition? What usually goes wrong with them?

I set up a small bench at the right height to be able to put the bell housing on (with the hose still connected) and fully install the bellows and sleeve. I have never seem one of those hoses fail without 'assistance'.

No glue on the bellhousing end of the bellows... Make sure the transom flange is clean, put glue on the flange AND the bellows. Give it a few minutes to got 'tacky' (like a few of us here ). Put the clamp on the bellows (with the clamp facing the right way). Then work the bellows onto the flange, from inside the bellows... Make sure it's all the way on (there's a groove on the flanlge and a ridge on the bellows) and then tighten up the clamp.... DON'T use a screwdriver.... Use a 5/16" socket (1/4" drive) on an extension... Reason: when the screwdriver slips off the clamp screw, you'll put a hole in the nice new bellows....

Chris....

 

[watchinthebobber]

Re: Bellows replacement - special tools required?

You da' man Chris thanks!

The bench is a great idea!

So should I leave the gear oil hose connected too?

I'll probably just break the hinge pins loose and leave everything in place until I have the parts in hand and some time to work.