First time bellow job Alpha One Gen2

[Franco_boater]

Ciao,
I am planning to do my 1st bellow job on my 2007 boat, I am owner for 8 years and I want to replace my bellows just as a precaution.
I have all the tools and OEM parts, i will replace shift cable and trim senders too,
I need to replace gear oil hose and also there is a water hose in the kit, i read on the forum some posts by Chris its not recommended to do that, why?
Do I need to run the tap after removing the shift cable nut? I have 1/4 x 18 NPSF HSS Tap,
I read also problem when installing exhaust bellows, should I use bellow adhesive as per manual?? Wont it slide off? Thanks


Thanks any advice is appreciated!

 

[Kola16]

Yes replace the water hose and gear oil hose. Hoses wear out and need replacing. Maybe Chris is referring to the new style fittings for those hoses which I would then agree to not use the new style fittings. Replace the hose itself for sure though.

You shouldn't have to run a tap after removing the shift cable. A cleaner tap that doesn't cut would be good, but that isn't necessary. Cle1an out the threads as best as you can with like a .45 caliber or so brass gun bore brush, or something of the like and send it.

Yes, use bellows adhesive on the bellows. Let the adhesive sit for 15 minutes on the bell housing if you're worried about it slipping out. I've never had that problem.

 

[Bondo]

Do I need to run the tap after removing the shift cable nut? I have 1/4 x 18 NPSF HSS Tap,

Ayuh,...... That's only necessary when changing from the old style MC-1 cable, to the Alpha 1 cable, on an ole MC-1,....

 

[Bt Doctur]

Save your self some aggravation and cut the oil hose first before trying to remove the housing. Failure to cut it first WILL result in breaking the nipple off the transom end,Get new hose 2 inches longer and some Power-Tune and special hose pliers . Install the hose on the housing end ,install the housing,hinge pins, etc Spray power-tune in the hose and on the fitting and using the hose pliers GENTLY push the hose on the nipple

 

[Franco_boater]

Will do! I have oil hose from the bellow kit and power tune too. So install oil hose on the bell housing then in the transom right?
Whats the sequence for the bellow install? First transom then on the housing? Thanks I have to do it myself because there is a lack of tech guys in my area

 

[Bondo]

Will do! I have oil hose from the bellow kit and power tune too. So install oil hose on the bell housing then in the transom right?
Whats the sequence for the bellow install? First transom then on the housing? Thanks I have to do it myself because there is a lack of tech guys in my area

Nope,.... onto the gimbel 1st,....

 

[Franco_boater]

Sorry for the confusion, I mean water and. Gear oil hose, first install on the gimbal then on the transom right?
And while installing bellows: exhaust,u joint and shift bellow firstly on the transom then gimbal housing ?

 

[Bondo]

Sorry for the confusion, I mean water and. Gear oil hose, first install on the gimbal then on the transom right?
And while installing bellows: exhaust,u joint and shift bellow firstly on the transom then gimbal housing ?

Nope,..... Gimbal 1st,....

 

[Franco_boater]

Ok I’ve removed all the bellows, now I’ll clean everything and prepare everything for reassembly. I have a Question to You guys regarding water hose, should this plastic hose be stone hard in the bushing? Mine I could wiggle a little and I’m not sure if it’s 100% waterproof?? How about bushing in the plastic white water hose in the transom? Should I replace it but I guess it’s impossible because of engine in my bilge area…
Picture from the internet,

 

[Franco_boater]

Should i put bellow adhesive on exhaust bellow? Manual says yes on both ends, how about the practice ? I’ve found a lot of different voices… I have special tool.
Thank you!, ciao

 

[Bondo]

Manual says yes on both ends,

Ayuh,..... You can't go wrong, following the manual,.....

 

[Franco_boater]

Thanks, work in Progress. I have a question regarding speedo tube, does it go in front or behind water hose or doesn’t matter?

2. And the nylon washer sticks onto bell housing or transom ring? I have new one and want to stick them in correct place

 

[Jmunk]

My speedometer hose was behind the water hose from the factory, I put it back the same way.

I’ve had better luck with the exhaust bellow going on dry. Just my experience.

 

[Franco_boater]

I have a question I’ve used kit # 8M0176524
My Alpha One Gen 2 is from 2005, so latest one and removed shoe shift was this:
:

But the one in the kit is like that

 

[Scott06]

I have a question I’ve used kit # 8M0176524
My Alpha One Gen 2 is from 2005, so latest one and removed shoe shift was this:
: View attachment 416851

But the one in the kit is like that View attachment 416852

that is the correct shift cable for a 98 and up Gen 2 just a evolution of parts/

Did it not fit right or work? or just asking because its different

 

[Franco_boater]

I’m still working on that, I have only few hours after work to work on my boat I’ve got 1 hour drive to my boat.
Bellows are done, shift cable installed, job was pretty straight forward with proper tools and all your knowledge from this forum i was quite confident with the job. Just needed to install my old clamp on UJoint bellow because I forgot a new one from my home but it will be fine. Exhaust bellow installed dry with the tool without any problem.
Only issue was with the plastic sleeve which I have pushed from outside by accident, I’ve almost lost 3 hours and a lot of scratches on my had to install it again I hope it’s in place because the is no chance to have an access maybe i will check with camera if it’s in place , what a pain!

Now I have to install drive unit and adjust shift cable and remote cable, I hope everything will be Ok I’m going to do this in the weekend.
I hope the shift interrupt switch will work as before the job!
Thank you guys I hope everything will work as before disassembly

 

[Scott06]

I’m still working on that, I have only few hours after work to work on my boat I’ve got 1 hour drive to my boat.
Bellows are done, shift cable installed, job was pretty straight forward with proper tools and all your knowledge from this forum i was quite confident with the job. Just needed to install my old clamp on UJoint bellow because I forgot a new one from my home but it will be fine. Exhaust bellow installed dry with the tool without any problem.
Only issue was with the plastic sleeve which I have pushed from outside by accident, I’ve almost lost 3 hours and a lot of scratches on my had to install it again I hope it’s in place because the is no chance to have an access maybe i will check with camera if it’s in place , what a pain!View attachment 416867

Now I have to install drive unit and adjust shift cable and remote cable, I hope everything will be Ok I’m going to do this in the weekend.
I hope the shift interrupt switch will work as before the job!
Thank you guys I hope everything will work as before disassembly

if it makes you feel any better it took me two weekends to get it it done.

I had an issue with the bushing in the bellhousing where the shift shaft swivels, I left the bushing a little too high form where it seats , it put enough drag on the shift mechanism to trip the shift interrupt when going into gear once it was in the water. I had to put the boat back on the trailer and take drive off , was back in in two hours.

in the end it has worked flawlessly and the original bellows lasted 18 years so its not like you are doing this every other year