changing bellows

[mwe-maxxowner]

I have an 87 boat with a 4.3 and Gen 1 alpha drive. The marina I called to ask about installing my bellows told me about 6-8 hours for this job at 60$/hr. I have heard nothing but good things about this place, and their hourly rate is good. I want to ask if the 6-8 hour estimate sounds about right? At that price I might just struggle through it myself. Any tips or pointers for this job would be nice. I have a drive manual so I'd say I'll be able to get it. Just a little exhausted with working on it right now and hoped to just pay for alignment and bellows install.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: changing bellows

Yep that hourly rate is good but I would inquire further on more specifics on exactly what else they may be doing because for just the ujoint bellows that seems a bit high.

Mark

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: changing bellows

I had all the bellows, water hose, lower shift cable, water pump with impeller and gimbal bearing replaced for $518 last month. I am in NC so the labor may be cheaper here.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: changing bellows

Yeah I made it clear that was for just installing the bellows, and the drive is already off. He said its labor intensive, the shift cable must come out, etc. To save 500$ I'll do it myself. For 2 or 300 I'd pay them. Water pump is already done and gimbal is in

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: changing bellows

My $518 bill included all the parts.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: changing bellows

I also already have the bellows kit.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: changing bellows

Would this Mallory Tube, Exhaust 9-72802 - iboats be the correct exhaust tube for my alpha one Gen one? It states it fits 1991 4.3, but I don't know if it'll list it.for my year if it didn't come offered factory that year. Might at least eliminate one bellow to fight.

 

[Bondo]

Re: changing bellows

Would this Mallory Tube, Exhaust 9-72802 - iboats be the correct exhaust tube for my alpha one Gen one? It states it fits 1991 4.3, but I don't know if it'll list it.for my year if it didn't come offered factory that year. Might at least eliminate one bellow to fight.

Ayuh,... That part is for an OMC exhaust connector, Inside the hull,....

This 1, is for yer drive, to replace the bellows,...

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: changing bellows

So, is the basic process for installing the drive and shift cable bellows, attach them on the gimbal housing, put the drive in place, then just fight them on? Is there much more method to it than that?

 

[natsgrampy]

Re: changing bellows

Last season I replaced the bellows, shift cable, impeller, seals and exhaust tube on my 89 Sea Ray, 3.0 in about six hours alone. I am by no stretch of the imagination a mechanic. My advice is to search in this forum and youtube for videos on how to....


Set aside a day uninterrupted to do the job. You can get all the required parts right here at iboats It would go even quicker if you had a helper.

One day would be plenty of time and save you a ton of money. Any snags you run into, you can come to this forum and get answers almost immediately

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: changing bellows

Sounds like what I will do. If I can completely rebuild the boat, I can align the motor and install the bellows and shift cable I assume.

 

[Bondo]

Re: changing bellows

So, is the basic process for installing the drive and shift cable bellows, attach them on the gimbal housing, put the drive in place, then just fight them on? Is there much more method to it than that?

Ayuh,.... I Dreaded my 1st bellows job, Along time,...

Once I read the factory Manual, I then followed it, step by step, Exactly,...

I was Done, 'n wonderin' what I'd been dreadin' in only a couple of hours, includin' fecthin' tools....

'n No bloody knuckles Either,....

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: changing bellows

I just keep thinking back to when I changed the oil pump a couple of years ago on my '87 f250 with a 460. Almost broke me from working on anything again. Ever! :laugh:

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: changing bellows

I'm almost ready to put my boat back together. I am very nervous about installing the new shift cable. I read that a special deep well 9/16 socket with narrow walls is required to do that job. Is this true?

For installing the shift cable, drive, and bellows, what special products do I need to have handy? Bellows adhesive, lubricants, etc.

 

[carribbean soul]

Re: changing bellows

I I read that a special deep well 9/16 socket with narrow walls is required to do that job. Is this true?

You will need to buy the tool or make one by taking a deep well socket 9/16 and welding it on to another unused deep well socket like a 13mm that just sits in the tool box. the length is so it can go over the plastic tube and tighten the nut, its just to tight for a wrench in there.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: changing bellows

I see. I ordered the socket. I have another question, what is this part of my gimbal kit for?

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: changing bellows

I got the bellows changed. I did it on my living room floor with the gimbal housing split in two. It wasn't too awful bad. The gimbal housing and inner transom plate are now bolted to the boat! I must say, it was nearly as aggravating getting the transom seal in place and staying put as the rest of the job was.

My new outdrive came split into the upper and lower units. Is there anything particular I should know before joining them together? Or just bolt them up.

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: changing bellows

Make sure the little o-ring for the oil passageway is in place. If its not stuck on the upper or lower unit already, use some bellows adhesive to stick it in place before assembly.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: changing bellows

I will remember that next time. I used a little grease to hole the new one in place. Next time I will use bellows adhesive!

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: changing bellows

I like the idea of using bellows adhesive, though I must admit I never really plan ahead and always use the grease sitting right next to me like you mentioned. I think I would feel better with the adhesive though, but I tend to be a little too impatient.