mercruiser stern drive bellows

[mcook5]

Hello
I am having a hard time installing an U-joint bellow in my stern drive of a 1987 Alpha 1 170. I have used the adhesive and clamps, but the side closest to me, as I install it, does not hold well at all. Is there something else I can do?
Also, I need an expander tool for the exhaust bellow, is there anywhere I can rent it from somewhere? I do not have any room in my boat budget for a 50 dollar tool used just once.

 

[APPALOOSA2]

Re: mercruiser stern drive bellows

You might find one on ebay cheap. Did you clean all the old bellows adhesive off before you put the new one on ? I clean all of it off and then use sand paper and then I clean it with alcohol including the bellows. Then put the the glue on both the new bellows and the unit and wait 10 minutes before assy.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: mercruiser stern drive bellows

I got it to work a couple of times now without the tool. If i can you should be able to if you keep playing with it. Helps to get everything real clean - I think acetone worked really well, and yea, bellows adhesive is nasty stuff to play with!

I can imagine that someone else that's put more than a couple on might have some better hints, but think I had better luck getting the rearward end on first. Sealed with adhesive, clamped down tight and let it set up before tackling the front one. I *** id with the exhaust bellows off (used a tube the last time anythow. sooo much easier and put it on after the ujoint bellows was in good shape. After the rearward side was secure, I put the clamp around the frone end loosley, put bellows adhesive on the gimbal transom side and then worked mostly from the inside putting my hand in through the bellows to slid it on. Once in position, used long scredriver and hand to reposition the feont clamp right and tightened it up. That was the last time i did is and it's been a year without leaks so far...

 

[hard-3]

Re: mercruiser stern drive bellows

put out in sun for a few minutes and let it soften up a little . most rubber boots are easier to handle this way

 

[willis3368]

Re: mercruiser stern drive bellows

Are you using the correct u-joint bellows, they have two different styles that will not work in the wrong application.

Not calling you stupid I made that mistake before!

 

[achris]

Re: mercruiser stern drive bellows

Correct bellows is part # -60932A4. I hope you're using genuine... I used an aftermarket bellows once... Had no end of problems getting it on, and then it only lasted half the time of the original...

Chris......