Difference between bellows and hoses.

[mainejohn]

I see some people mentioning that they swapped their bellows with hoses. any info?

 

[Alumarine]

As far as I know there is not a hose substitute for Bellows.
You can substitute an Exhaust Tube for an Exhaust Bellows sometimes.

I've never read that on this forum. Where did you find this info?

 

[GA_Boater]

Do you have a thread where that was talked about. ?

The only thing I can think of is using an exhaust tube instead of an exhaust bellows in some applications. This transom seal kit comes with both - http://www.iboats.com/Sierra-18-821...5895223--session_id.997367505--view_id.172479

The T is the exhaust tube and the B is the exhaust bellows.

 

[mainejohn]

ok I see now. I will stick with the orig. design. I am really tempted in ordering the Sierra kit instead of the OEM kit.

 

[Bondo]

ok I see now. I will stick with the orig. design. I am really tempted in ordering the Sierra kit instead of the OEM kit.

Personally, I've had Good luck with 'em,.....
Got 10 years outa the 1st set, 2nd set is still on my barge,...

Bought the Merc lower cable, per Don S,.....
But since the newest greatest cable from Sierra looks to be comparable,....
I may not next time,...

 

[bspeth]

Some people have trouble with them,some don't as stated above.To some even a little trouble is not worth it. OEMs are good and I had no trouble.For me its OEM.

 

[wrench 3]

I've been using and installing Sierra kits for around 20 years now. I've never had a problem or a comeback.

 

[bruceb58]

I always use OEM. DonS always used OEM as well.

 

[mainejohn]

It's strange how everyone is all over the spectrum of OM vs Sierra. To me the $100 extra is alot of money, but I don't want to sacrifice. Has anyone had a Sierra product fail or do they just strictly use OEM because?

 

[Grub54891]

I prefer oem, for bellows kits and shift cables. Sometimes I'll use sierra for small easy to get to parts. I will not use sierra for anything electrical, to many issues in the past.