Bellows?

[cptnblah]

I have a 07 Sea Ray 175 BR with a 3.0LX Mercruiser Alpha One. We just moved and took it out for the first time last Saturday since winterizing it last October. While out, I switched the bilge pump on and noticed that there was a lot of water being pumped out...between one and two gallons within 10 mins worth of driving. I opened the engine compartment and actually heard the water trickling in behind where the motor attaches to the transom (behind there the engine would attach to the trans in a car). This was with the engine off. Sounds dumb now but we stayed out on the lake for a few hours and would start the bilge pump every few mins to keep it drained. Is this the bellows? I am not taking it out again till I can afford to get it fixed. I am on a fixed income and wife is still looking for work since we moved. Is this something that I could change? A friend of mine says no but just getting another opinion. Thanks so much!

 

[alldodge]

Re: Bellows?

Is this the bellows?

It could very well be the bellows and since you can hear it coming in this would be the first guess. If you have not changed or had the bellows changed it more then likely be the number one choice. The outdrive will need to be pulled and while at it have the gimble bearing and outdrive inspected. The engine alignment should also be checked.

Is this something that I could change?

It is possiable but I am unaware of your capabilities. It takes some mussle, not a whole lot but some, then it takes mechanical capabilities with some special tools which can be obtained, borrowed or purchased

 

[thumpar]

Re: Bellows?

Is it coming in from the transom side or more toward the engine?

 

[achris]

Re: Bellows?

The very first thing you MUST do, and do it NOW, is remove the drive. If there's water in the bellows, then there's water in the unis and the gimbal bearing. If you leave the water in there, you could also end up having to repair the front seal and yoke in the drive-shaft housing.... Also by removing the drive, you get a much better idea of where the water is getting in...

If you haven't removed a drive before, it's very easy and doesn't take very long... Here's a video to help you...

Removing Alpha drive

Chris........

 

[cptnblah]

Re: Bellows?

Thanks for the fast replies guys. It is what I feared. From what I could see in this small compartment and being the big size I am...it appears to be coming in between the rear of the engine and the transom. Right behind the seam of where a transmission would attach to the engine. I am planning to call a local repair guy here in town tomorrow morning. He is suppose to be really reasonable rate wise and also helps over the phone. A friend of mine where I use to live also told me (yesterday) to get the out drive off as I could ruin the gimble and the U joint. Looke like I have some expenditures ahead of me. Thanks again. I will post an update when I know.

 

[cptnblah]

Re: Bellows?

Thanks again! I just talked to the mechanic last night and it was the seal on the transom. Not sure what it is called but he has to remove the engine to do it. Looks like boating season is done for me for a while till wife gets working to help with some of the bills so I have enough to get it done. Luckily I am in AZ now so the season for me is never completely done at any part of the year. Thanks again.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Bellows?

You'll be back on the big H in no time. Enjoy that dry heat!

 

[cptnblah]

Re: Bellows?

Thanks volphin. I do hope so as it is my only serenity being on the water. Have had nothing but bad luck since getting here. Waiting for the Irish luck to change. Lol

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Bellows?

Thats not good......Just from my point of view...if a transom seal is leaking on a 2007 boat, means to me the transom is starting to rot and is flexing the wood transom therfor water leaking by the seal.

I hate to read about the so called mechanic saying they have to do whatever and rip people off and charge them thousands of dollers...becouse the person does not know any better

Now we are talking a 07 boat.....what condition is the boat?

Can i ask how he found the transom leak? He would have to fill the bilge with water and see leak outside the boat or take it to the lake and put it in the water on trailer to see it leak inside.

Im just saying get some solid info from the mechanic that warrent's the repair he is telling you.

 

[cptnblah]

Re: Bellows?

Sorry...my bad. It is a 97. I use a smart phone wirh touchscreen as I have hard time sitting at computer cause of pain. Keys too small hence the fat thumb mistake. The cost is 720.00 but we moved here for my med issues (hence cptnblah) and wife not working yet and I am disabled and that is why it has to wait. Sorry about the confusion.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Bellows?

Thats ok.....confusion is one of my best assest.

Ok 97 then he could be right........... Again i hate to see people get riped off.

Just be sure when you have it done......they check the transom good right after they pull the motor..... and if posible show you the damage area before they procced to fix it.

Good luck......and hope the wife finds a job soon!

 

[cptnblah]

Re: Bellows?

Thanks Checkmate. This guy is a small shop in Havasu who is highly recommended by people I've talked to and a lot of what he has said has checked out. I do end up hovering when someone works on it so I can hopefully retain something as well. Thaks also for the well wishes and hope you have a great remainder of the season

Bill