Bellows?

[customcar2boat]

Can THe bellows be replaced on an Alpha 1 by just having the lower unit removed? What I mean is that is all the work able to be performed from the outside of the boat? Thanks guys

 

[KiLer]

Re: Bellows?

Which bellows ? the one for Exhaust or the one for the outdrive ? the exhaust one (bottom one) can be change without removing the outdrive.

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: Bellows?

Could you fill us in as to how you can replace it? I've been trying for two weeks now, but I can't streach mine into place. I attached it to the transom mount, but I can't get it to streach to the sterndrive mount. Yes, it is the correct part, I've triple checked.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Bellows?

Here is a cut n paste of how I did mine some time ago:<br />[Did the deed today...took a new approach. Whole job done in 90 minutes and 6 beers. I took off old bellows, rams, and lower unit while new bellows stewed in hot water. Clamped new bellows to transom side and drank a couple beers. Greased ujoints and spline assembly. Then took off bellows (now nicely prefomed) and turned it around and clamped it on outdrive. Took a WIDE flat bladed screwdriver and gently pushed other end of bellows on through the hole- no need to remove shift linkage. Slid right on. Tightened clamp. Installed lower unit and rams. It was a very easy project.]

 

[KiLer]

Re: Bellows?

Did mine without removing Outdrive.....the hot water trick is key....I attached the transom end first (screwing on through the hole provided)then lowered the outdrive as far as I could and still be able to squeeze in a thin screwdriver...had a buddy hold it in place with a flat bar and tightened the clamp best I could...then raised unit and screwed it home. You gotta get that baby good and soft....be careful with the screwdriver while working on it....don' want to slip and punch a hole in the top bellows.<br /> His method seems the easiest....I had a hellova time getting it attached to the outdrive....took about 2 hours and alot of pain in my fingers.

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: Bellows?

I did mine the same way "Took a WIDE flat bladed screwdriver and gently pushed other end of bellows on" (also called a prybar... not as "sharp" as a screwdriver). Just my non-professional oppion unless you know you just need the exhaust bellows, buy the kit, lots of beer, brush up on the cussing, and pull the outdrive (if for no other reason than to check the other bellows condictions).<br /><br /> It really isn't a hard job but it is (or was to me) a VERY agrevating job.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Bellows?

I get to do this a couple times a year. For the exhaust bellows there is a special tool.<br /><br />But for the driveshaft. I always remove the outdrive. Once it is removed, you can put your hands inside and pull the bellows back. Also...for the DIY's. You are to use a sealer on the bellows. We use Type M adhesive. It allows you to slip the bellows on..then sets quickly. This stuff turns the job into a one person job.<br /><br />TMD

 

[bomar76]

Re: Bellows?

Agree-<br />Pull the outdrive so the u joints can be greased and you can check alignment.<br />Just a couple of nuts to remove and so much easier than w/ drive on.<br />BTW- I use the bellows adhesive also. Love the smell!!!