Install exhaust bellows easily?

[jjhiway]

1976 165 HP Merc. Can the exhaust bellows (new) be installed without pulling the drive and buying the $45 spreader tool? Old one was torn so I pulled it off thinking I would just slide a new one on. New one is about 2" shorter and alot stiffer. Guess it's not stretched and softened from use.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Install exaust bellows easily?

Re: Install exaust bellows easily?

No way to install it that I know of without pulling the drive. I install the the exhaust tube instead. 5 minute install without touching the drive. Maybe when the others come on line, they will have suggestions for you.

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Install exhaust bellows easily?

I installed mine on my 160 last summer without pulling the drive and using a homemade tool, but it took about 3 hours and if my mother had been listening she would have washed my mouth out with soap every 10 minutes.
I keep hearing about this exhaust tube and someone even posted a pic of one but I'd like to have it explained to me where it goes and how it works. From what little I know, it sounds like something worth trying.

 

[jjhiway]

Re: Install exhaust bellows easily?

Is a tube the same as the bellows being attached to the transom end and open on the drive end (not attached to the drive). Is that why some I/O boats are louder than others?

 

[peacekeeper6]

Re: Install exhaust bellows easily?

i have that it works fine, a little frothy around the back at idle but it is fine otherwise

 

[jjhiway]

Re: Install exhaust bellows easily? Hell no!

Re: Install exhaust bellows easily? Hell no!

But I did get it done. With the drive still on. On the third trip out to the driveway in as many days, the wife said "that should be easy for you" CHALLENGE! Using screwdrivers and small pry bars and the wife turning the last clamp screw why I held the hose, Success....!!
In the immortal words of Bill Murry: "Man..did that suck"
So it can be done without pulling the drive but the right way is to pull it and use the reseal kit. whew!

 

[milkyway]

Re: Install exhaust bellows easily?

My exhaust is starting to show cracks. I have bought a new bellow and adhesive and have been postponing the replacement. I have read that even if the bellow is crakced, t hre will be no water intrusion. How true is this?

 

[jjhiway]

RE: I have read that even if the bellow is crakced,

RE: I have read that even if the bellow is crakced,

I'm not an expert, 1st boat. But I think that depends on the flaps or check valves in the exhaust. I wasn't sure if mine was in good working order so I opted to change it. My service book didn't require that I use glue on the exhaust, the flanges had little nubs on the ends to help hold it on. I would need glue if I replaced the larger universal bellows.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Install exhaust bellows easily?

No damage will occur if the exhaust bellows leaks.

 

[harveje]

Re: Install exhaust bellows easily?

IMO the tube is the way to go, slide tube and clamp on, insert screwdriver thru hole on side of housing, snug up clamp, and done. A tad bit louder but tube is suppose to cover drive exhaust hole when drive is in down position, sending most of exhaust thru the foot.