i keep tearing my u joint bellows

[kulle]

you make a great point.. so you know if iboats sells bellows kits? i believe the previous owner at some point replaced the outdrive..i recall him saying briefly. drive info..



Alpha GEN II

Gear 1.62r

Alpha drive serial:0M406343

 

[alldodge]

iboats does not sell OEM bellows. That said if it was not started full up there would not be an issue now. Do agree OEM in most cases last longer IMO. I to use OEM, but this is not necessarily your original cause for the repeated failure

 

[achris]

I used a Sierra bellows once, and only ever once... Compared to genuine, very stiff, and difficult to fit on. I can see how that alone could cause problems.

 

[wahlejim]

+1 on OEM, if you switch to an exhaust boot, you don't need the tool and its kinda a once and done thing. Louder running, but pretty maintenance free.

If you are cutting bellows with your u-joints, check for slop. They may be moving just enough to hit the bellow.

 

[Scott Danforth]

+1 on OEM, if you switch to an exhaust boot, you don't need the tool and its kinda a once and done thing. Louder running, but pretty maintenance free.

If you are cutting bellows with your u-joints, check for slop. They may be moving just enough to hit the bellow.

agreed, check gimble and u-joints

also agree, OEM is always best for rubber parts. yes they are a bit more, however they last the longest.

 

[Simoniz]

I started my boat once with the drive accidentally still in the full up, trailer position. Did not do any damage, but Im aware its not ideal. Ive now trained myself to remove the ignition key and hang it on the throttle lever any time I bring the drive up past the normal runing range.

 

[Lou C]

My '88 OMC has had only 2 bellows on it the whole time I've owned it (16 years), the original installed in '05, then I replaced that one in '16, both OEM, and in the 11 years the original just had a few small cracks starting and the rubber was for sure stiffer. I would continue to use OEM for critical parts like a bellows, or impeller. That said I have used other Sierra parts when the OEM was not available (Mechanical fuel pump) and not had problems.

 

[kulle]

DUH....just ordered from iBOATS:happy:

someone said iboats does not sell OEM bellows kits?

 

[Lou C]

If you want OEM you can just go to a Merc dealer, imagine that, not ordering it on the 'net. I patronize a local shop that works on OMCs, and Evinrudes and can order OEM parts from Bombardier. This gives me contact with 2 good mechanics, who have always given good advice. Try this instead of always jumping to the 'net. Good prices yes but no local knowledge/support. Important when you are a beginner.

 

[alldodge]

someone said iboats does not sell OEM bellows kits?

No but wish they did