Bellows sealing compound

[News to Me]

I am new to VP maintenance and I have read several post on changing the DPS A u joint bellows. Some say to use a sealing compound and some say you don't need it. If it is needed I have been using this for sealing up everything from water hoses on cars to gaskets on water pumps. Any thoughts?

 

[Captain Marooner]

Don't use the stuff in the photo,use Mercruiser bellows adhesive. That gasket sealer is kinda slippery. But you should use adhesive,it also helps sliding the bellows on.

 

[bruceb58]

The manual does say to use it and I have done it both ways based on advice of some reputable repair people. The last bellows I put on does not have any on.

The merc bellows adhesive is a good choice. Make sure any residue of previous sealer is not on there.

 

[HorizonblueDK]

On my Volvo 280-290-SX drives, I have never used sealant for the bellows and never had a leaking bellow. Just make sure that mating surfaces are clean and hose clamps are placed correctly and tightened firmly and you will be good.

 

[skydiveD30571]

The manual does say to use it and I have done it both ways based on advice of some reputable repair people. The last bellows I put on does not have any on.

Hey Bruce, I'm not sure if that's a typo or if you are talking about a different drive, but the SX-A/DPS-A manual does not say to use adhesive. Bellows install is on page 179 here:

http://boatinfo.no/lib/volvo/manuals/sx-a_dps-a_drive.html#/182

 

[Thalasso]

You don't use adhesive on that drive. You will see a groove in the housing that mates to the ring that's molded into the bellows. It is imperative that they align right.
The clamp will go over the groove and seal it.
What else that's just as important is the position of the clamp.

http://boatinfo.no/lib/library.html

 

[bruceb58]

Hey Bruce, I'm not sure if that's a typo or if you are talking about a different drive, but the SX-A/DPS-A manual does not say to use adhesive. Bellows install is on page 179 here:

http://boatinfo.no/lib/volvo/manuals...rive.html#/182

You are probably correct. My drive says to use it but the newer drives likely don't. Mine has the groove too. DonS said you didn't need to use it on any of the drives. I think I used it once.

 

[bruceb58]

What is interesting is that the DPS-A drives and the older drives like mine use the exact same part number bellows yet the instructions are different.

 

[Searay 250 martinique]

Hi there,
Did it 10 months ago on my dps-a with new bellow and 5200 sealant before tightening the clamp in the transom shield.
The boat is year round in the water...
10 month later, there's water in the bellow. The u joint is shot. Had to install a new one.
So this year I also used 5200 on the lip that goes in the pivot housing. Hope it will do.
The design is really crappy imho.

 

[bruceb58]

Do NOT use 5200 to seal anything regarding the bellows.

The design isn't crappy. Using a sealant not designed to be anywhere near the bellows is crappy.

 

[Thalasso]

Hi there,
Did it 10 months ago on my dps-a with new bellow and 5200 sealant before tightening the clamp in the transom shield.
The boat is year round in the water...
10 month later, there's water in the bellow. The u joint is shot. Had to install a new one.
So this year I also used 5200 on the lip that goes in the pivot housing. Hope it will do.
The design is really crappy imho.

You sealed it with 5200? Good luck with that one to. When you put the 5200 in, it doesn't let the lip on the bellows seat in the grove. When you need to change it, and you will your going to have a good time cleaning that mess off

 

[Searay 250 martinique]

Yes, it won't be easy to take it off. But if it saves me another u joint change, it's gonna be worth it ! Time will tell !

 

[skydiveD30571]

Yes, it won't be easy to take it off. But if it saves me another u joint change, it's gonna be worth it ! Time will tell !

But what about when it leaks again? They don't last forever, installed correctly or not. And then you'll have to deal with removing a permanent sealant.

It's also important to not overtighten the clamp. I did that once and Don S. specifically said that's a good way to screw it up and make it leak. Go with the manual and only tighten as much as it says.

 

[Searay 250 martinique]

The problem is when you go by the book (i.e. no sealant, everything cleaned up and torque screwed ), water seeps inside eventually. That's the problem of having the boat sitting in the water year long.
I don't know if it's gonna work but it's worth a try anyway.
And yes, you can remove 5200 with good determination

 

[bruceb58]

The problem is when you go by the book (i.e. no sealant, everything cleaned up and torque screwed ), water seeps inside eventually.

Only if you don't know what you are doing.

 

[Searay 250 martinique]

Interesting... Maybe you could help ?

 

[bruceb58]

Interesting... Maybe you could help ?

Get rid of that 5200. Buy an OEM manual. If you follow the procedures in the manual, you won't have a problem.

 

[Searay 250 martinique]

Already did that. Leaking all the same.

 

[bruceb58]

Already did that. Leaking all the same.

Except that you used 5200 sealant.

Who makes the bellows that you are using?

 

[Searay 250 martinique]

nope sir... Tried first year without anything with new bellow. After 1 year there's some water in the bellow but u-joint OK. Then used 5200 on the bellow clamp side. 10 month later, still some water in the bellow. This time bearing and ujoint shot. So used 5200 to seal the lip side. I'll tell you next year.