Bravo Drive Bellow installation

[Speakrdude]

How far in should the bellow go into the bell housing with the aluminum sleeve?
(see crude drawing)
If I try to put the bellow on the B ridge, there's no way that aluminum sleeve will fit inside the rubber. (yes, I have the proper tool!)
But if i bring the bellow out to the notch A, I can tap the aluminum ring in place. Nice and snug.
With the later of the two senerios, the distance from the outside edge of the bell housing to the front edge of the bellow is 2".
If I go with A, the distance would be about 2.5"

Thanks

 

[wrench 3]

I can't get a clear picture on your image, but check out the diagram on page 309 http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/manuals/mercruiser11.html#/308

 

[alldodge]

Here is what it should look like

 

[Speakrdude]

So, What it looks like the manual is saying, (please correct me, if I am wrong) is, place the bellows in the housing back to the 2nd rib. At that point, use the tool to push the aluminum ring into place. Not using the tool and suitable driver to force the bellows and ring back into the first groove, correct?

 

[mr300z87]

I used a trick I learned here on iboats from one of the experts. Once the bellows is on correctly spray it down with Quicksilver Power Tune http://www.ebay.com/itm/QUICKSILVER...-OZ-/251869143053?hash=item3aa492200d&vxp=mtr
The ring will slide in by hand no tools required. Worked like a charm. BTW I also used this trick on the hard to reach water intake hose on the Bravo raw water pump. I have never used the power tune for anything else. Lol. Hope this helps.

 

[Speakrdude]

Yes, I can slide the ring in, (by hand), in the position as shown in the Service manual pics above. But is that as far as it's supposed to go in?
I suppose the length of the drive housing will also be a hint.

 

[alldodge]

The sleeve should wind up flush with the boot

 

[Speakrdude]

The snout on the drive is 2", so I am assuming, (yes, I know), that is as far as the complete assembly goes in.