Exhaust bellow keeps tearing, exhaust too hot?

[hezzy602]

I've got a 1985 Vip with a 4.3L mercruiser MCM205 alpha one I think. About one year ago I replace both my exhaust bellow and my driveshaft bellow along with my impeller, those flapper things, and a lot of other rubber on the engine. I live in AZ so rubber doesnt last for s**t out here. My question is that my exhaust bellow is already ripped! In all the creases are dry and about to rip. It loooks like i havent replaced it in decades. My driveshaft bellow looks brand new still. When my boat sits I let down the trim so theres no tension on the bellows. But I did leave it sitting up for about a month (right before I noticed it). It hasnt really gotten that hot here yet. I could see in mid summer that our 110 degree temp could kill the rubber in about a month. So is my exhaust to hot causing it to dry up quicker than it should. I am not over heating and last summer i never had a problem with temp.

 

[YeboGogo]

Re: Exhaust bellow keeps tearing, exhaust too hot?

Cant say for sure but I would try switching to the tube over the bellows.

Are you running it without muffs on land? are you trailering it ?

Mine in GA take a ton of abuse and the next time they die they are being replaced by a tube.

 

[hezzy602]

Re: Exhaust bellow keeps tearing, exhaust too hot?

yah i run it with muffs on while its trailered. I usually dont run it to often while it out of water just for a little while i adjust things.
I am about to order new bellows but was thinking about switching to the new style, I have read it releases some back pressure while idling but does any one else like or dislike the new exhaust bellows????

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Exhaust bellow keeps tearing, exhaust too hot?

The new stye bellows works great! it's the only one I use at the shop

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Exhaust bellow keeps tearing, exhaust too hot?

I think after comparing the installation procedure/headache level of each, the tube is a no-brainer. Some people say they get some sooting on the transom. I had a tube on my last sterndrive and had no sooting issues with it.
They're supposed to be higher flowing when trimmed up, yet retain the benefit of thru-prop pull through when trimmed down.

 

[imported_TheMan]

Re: Exhaust bellow keeps tearing, exhaust too hot?

As long as your carburetor is adjusted right you shouldn't notice much soot build up at all. It is SLIGHTLY louder, but nothing significant.

Go with the tube. 100x easier to install.