Re: Can I run my boat with a torn exhaust bellow?
Newbie,
If it makes you feel better, I bought my boat last year with a Volvo DP. The boat was in the water and when I pulled it I saw the exhaust bellow was disconnected from one end. I tried to reattach it with no luck (since figured out how to do it thanks to these forums). Anyway, I put it back in the water and ran it the rest of the summer and after awhile stopped worrying about it. I concluded that 1) the exhaust is exiting under water anyway through the lower unit, and 2) I should replace/fix it as dumping the exhaust gas in front of the props may not be very efficient.
Basically, the lower unit is functioning as a short extension of the exhaust pipe. I've looked at the diagrams and its not like there's a check valve or anything in the unit to stop the water from moving back to the engine.
I think its like a lot of boat maintenance, there's always something that needs to be done but everything doesn't necessarily stop you from enjoying the water.
