Excessive cost to replace bellows?

[Southtowns27]

Hey guys, I have an '86 Wellcraft with an Alpha One. I have a new SEI outdrive I'll be installing but I'd like to have the bellows replaced before I do. I don't have the specialty tools to do the bellows job and it sounds like a huge pita, so I thought I'd outsource just that part. I've gotten quotes of $1400, $1200, $850, and one guy that refused. Is it *really* that terrible of a job??? I have a commercial account and the parts are maybe $100... Are these numbers completely out of line?? At this rate it looks like I'll be buying the tools and doing it myself

 

[Alumarine]

Without knowing what is included with those prices it's hard to say.
Do any of them include a new gimbal bearing or shift cable?

 

[achris]

For just the Uni joint bellows, given nothing is seized or breaks, a couple of hours work, at most. Yes, those prices are gouging... The only special tool you need for that job is the hinge pin tool. It's not a difficult job...

Chris.

 

[Bt Doctur]

for a typical Alpha 1 using a transom kit that includes all boots, clamps, gaskets, gimbal bearing .etc for about $200 USD, its about a 4 hr job Hardest part is removing the hinge pins if red loc-tite was used. You need some high heat for removal and the 12 point tool. Sometimes a 1/2 allen socket works.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Sometimes a 1/2 allen socket works.

And when it doesn't work, it really sucks. I'd buy the socket.

 

[Searay205]

Squeeze them, are they soft, malleable? I replace one on boat same year. complete waste of time and effort as the 30 year old ones were perfect. If you don't see any cracking and they move easily, i wouldn't touch them

 

[tank1949]

Hey guys, I have an '86 Wellcraft with an Alpha One. I have a new SEI outdrive I'll be installing but I'd like to have the bellows replaced before I do. I don't have the specialty tools to do the bellows job and it sounds like a huge pita, so I thought I'd outsource just that part. I've gotten quotes of $1400, $1200, $850, and one guy that refused. Is it *really* that terrible of a job??? I have a commercial account and the parts are maybe $100... Are these numbers completely out of line?? At this rate it looks like I'll be buying the tools and doing it myself

You will need a clean and shaded place to work. U will need to clean with lac. thinner old bellows cement and some fine sandpaper and metal prep for aluminum. Go back with quality primer/black paint. I fear when you open it up you will see a lot of corrosion (if salt water boat). Hopefully gimbal bearing and u-joints are not all rusted up. If bearing is rough, replace. I have done a half dozen MCs. Not that difficult but expect the unexpected. You should go back with performance trim hinges (if you can) and pitch the ones with grease fittings. Bravos have them but I am not sure for Alphas. Replace trim switches if more than 5 year (my opinion). Check up and down hinges for slop (tiller arm). If you replace one bellows, replace all!!!!!! (my opinion). You can buy tools online cheap!

 

[achris]

.... Replace trim switches if more than 5 year (my opinion).

Wow! My boat is so under maintained! The trim switches are 14 years old, and still working perfectly. Do you think I should replace them, just because of their age?

Check up and down hinges for slop (tiller arm).

Up and down is swivel pins, not tiller arm. Tiller arm slop shows up as 'side to side' slop (but that can be the upper swivel pin too. )

If you replace one bellows, replace all!!!!!! (my opinion). You can buy tools online cheap!

About 8 years ago my exhaust bellows slipped off. I just replaced that one, should I have done them all? (and added another $200 to the job unnecessarily?)

It's a Mercruiser, not a Volvo or OMC, those things don't need to be done on a strict 5 year interval on a Mercruiser. They get replaced when they need it, not on some schedule.

Chris......

 

[Scott Danforth]

Hey guys, I have an '86 Wellcraft with an Alpha One. I have a new SEI outdrive I'll be installing but I'd like to have the bellows replaced before I do. I don't have the specialty tools to do the bellows job and it sounds like a huge pita, so I thought I'd outsource just that part. I've gotten quotes of $1400, $1200, $850, and one guy that refused. Is it *really* that terrible of a job??? I have a commercial account and the parts are maybe $100... Are these numbers completely out of line?? At this rate it looks like I'll be buying the tools and doing it myself

the complete bellows kit with the gimble bearing and all the tools is only like $180

 

[harringtondav]

And when it doesn't work, it really sucks. I'd buy the socket.

Agree. Original pins are Loctited and torqued to 90 fl/lb. Merc tool is +-$20, after market is <$10 and works fine. The exhaust bellows expander tool $30. So for <$40 you can save a bundle DIY. Replace all three bellows if you dig in yourself. Then let the tools get dusty for 10 yrs.

Tip: I reassemble the pins snug, then torque them up after I get the tilt/trim rams connected. Much easier to get the torque wrench to click at 90 ft/lb.

 

[tank1949]

Wow! My boat is so under maintained! The trim switches are 14 years old, and still working perfectly. Do you think I should replace them, just because of their age?



Up and down is swivel pins, not tiller arm. Tiller arm slop shows up as 'side to side' slop (but that can be the upper swivel pin too. )



About 8 years ago my exhaust bellows slipped off. I just replaced that one, should I have done them all? (and added another $200 to the job unnecessarily?)

It's a Mercruiser, not a Volvo or OMC, those things don't need to be done on a strict 5 year interval on a Mercruiser. They get replaced when they need it, not on some schedule.

Chris......

Is boat a salt water boat? Couldn't think of swivel pin names. Sorry...Senior moment!!!! There was no history provided on maintenance of boat. If torn down, it has been my experience in dealing with salt water corrosion and labor, just replace trim stuff, since bellows are removed and you have easier access to trim cables, etc. Going back to redo trim stuff after a bellows job sucks! This is an old boat. Who can afford a new one????? I priced a new one to my specifications at 200K. OUCH! My wife said HELL NO! So, I have been refurbishing an old 86 to my exact specifications or needs. But, I fish offshore in a salt environment and don't like stuff to break down 100 miles out. Just my 2 cents!