Mercruiser Alpha One, Gen II- Ujoint Bellows Retention Sleeve- help!

[duponts]

I have had a heck of a time installing the ujoint bellows retention sleeve on my mercruiser. I have switched the bellows to OEM, used PowerTune and also used the Retention sleeve installation tool all to no avail. The new bellows is 'notched' in the groove on the Bell Housing Assembly (that is loose and was removed to permit installation of the water hose and exhaust bellows) but I can't get that sleeve to fit into the bellows. Any tips? I am really at the end of my rope on this job and there are no marine mechanics available (Colorado) until August.

 

[muc]

Put the pins back in that hold the bell housing, so you can get a good push.
Make sure the bellows is in the right groove.

 

[Bt Doctur]

I install the ring by hand pressure after first wiping the bellow and ring with alcohol

 

[Rick Stephens]

I gave up on using the installer tool, can't see or feel a darn thing with them. So I took Bt Docs advice and got everything aligned perfect, getting it exactly in place in the groove was the key. Then I used carb cleaner to lube it and pushed it on using a 1 inch round wood dowel for a little extra push from the other hand.

 

[harringtondav]

Per above advice, make sure the pins are in place holding the bell hsg,, and the bellows in in the groove. Lubricate the ID and OD of the bellows around the groove ridge and the nose of the retention ring w/24C or any grease. Make sure the ring and driver tool are well aligned - square with the face of the bell hsg. I failed to to this and beat the heck out of it w/no luck. When I made sure it was aligned, it tapped right in. Make sure you have the right ring and tool for your bellows.The ring should slip into the bellows when it's loose, and it should slip over the nose of the driver.

 

[stang32]

I use the powertune and slip it in but before I learned that trick, I spent days beating one bellows on with no luck. What finally got it in was I made a spacer and block plate to push the ring In place . I took some wood and cut it to fit inside the bell housing then took a piece of pine about 4x8 and drilled holes to fit over the outer drive studs. I put it all in place and tightened up the nuts on the studs. It pushed the ring into place. I let it sit there for w while, removed all the wood and the ring stayed in. Good luck, let us know which method worked. I never used rubbing alcohol but if I'm out ofp/t I will give that a try

 

[duponts]

I cannot thank you folks enough. It took me 1 minute to get it on with these tips.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I cannot thank you folks enough. It took me 1 minute to get it on with these tips.

HA! Great post.

 

[stang32]

so, what worked?