Mercruiser Exhaust Tube vs Exhaust Bellows Opinions, and Part # for Tube.

[1985 Century Mustang]

Does anyone here have knowledge/input in using an exhaust tube over a regular exhaust bellows? Pros and Cons. I'm kind of leaning towards the exhaust tube. However I heard it could be loud,,, is it that much louder? If I go with the exhaust tube , can you post which part # or tube i would need. I have a 1985 Mercruiser Alpha One Gen One 3.0 - 140hp.

 

[Pmt133]

On the V6 and V8 it isnt that bad. My 3.0l was loud already and it was loud loud with the tube only. to put it another way, you could always tell when I was coming or going.

Cons, its a bit louder.

Pros? No messing with exhaust bellows. Its easy to install. Did I mention no messing with exhaust bellows? Sounds cool if you're into that sort of thing.

78458a1 I think is the oe number. All the drives use the same tube if memory serves.

 

[04fxdwgi25]

Only downside of the tube is that if your engine doesn't run correctly (rich / lean or burn some oil), the tube will allow a film yo form on drive unit and the rear of the boat and a very slight increase of sound. Whereas the bellows directs it all thru the prop. The 4 cyl probably will sound a little odd , but on a big block V8 it sounds nice. IMHO.

I've only used the tube for past 15 or 20 years

 

[ScottinAZ]

the exhaust bellows is no fun to replace on a Merc drive... The tube is no louder nor more "messy" than a slightly torn/weatherbeaten exhaust bellows... once its in the water, it doesnt make a whole lot of difference once underway... at the dock, its slightly louder...

 

[Bondo]

Another question: Would I be needing the Quicksilver Power Tune Spray on a Mercruiser Alpha One Gen One to help attaching the Ujoint Bellows.

Ayuh,..... Probably not, as it has hose clamps on both ends,.....
But having a can of Power Tune handy, is always a good thing, just in case,.....

 

[flashback]

I had a tube on my old v8 chris and it sounded really nice.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Only downside of the tube is that if your engine doesn't run correctly (rich / lean or burn some oil), the tube will allow a film yo form on drive unit and the rear of the boat and a very slight increase of sound. Whereas the bellows directs it all thru the prop. The 4 cyl probably will sound a little odd , but on a big block V8 it sounds nice. IMHO.

I've only used the tube for past 15 or 20 years

the 4 cyl through a tube doesnt sound too bad... its not like a Honda with a FartCan on it, but its no V-8 burble either....

 

[tango13]

I had the tube on my old 5.7 and it sounded great - ended up doing the same on my 7.4 - mechanic recommended it while he was doing some other service on my B1. Both were noticeably louder.

Its all preference, I personally like noisier boats but I know others really dont!

 

[JonBoat55]

I had the tube on my Merc 3.0 for three seasons until I did all the bellows at once, so I re-installed the exhaust. I like it being slightly quieter, not a huge difference. Interestingly enough, I think I can feel a slight rumble/vibration through the steering wheel now since the exhaust is being directed through the outdrive again. I dont remember feeling that with the tube.