Multiple bellows failures on 2003 8.1GiBF mated to DPS-M

[TheoMD]

Here is the problem have twin 2003 8.1 GiBF mated to DPS-M. Have had the boat since 2005. Annual service of drives completed. Have had multiple bellows failures over the years resulting in replacement of bellows/gimabal bearings and one U-joint. The only root cause I can think of is that the drives need to be left in the up position as where the boat is moored in our marina the water is very skinny at low tide (2ft). The mechanic/marina are not certain if the position of the drives when moored is contributing to the bellows failure and water intrusion. Engines run fine withouth unusual noise/vibration and props in like new condition. During the season (NE) I run the boat at least weekly.

This is beyond frustrating as when I here the ominous growl from the outdrives I know that it means another haul/repair.
Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: Multiple bellows failures on 2003 8.1GiBF mated to DPS-M

Have had multiple bellows failures over the years

Were the bellows actually damaged that you could see? Were they OEM bellows? Does this happen to both drives or just one, and if just one, is it always the same one getting water in it?

 

[TheoMD]

Re: Multiple bellows failures on 2003 8.1GiBF mated to DPS-M

Has happened with both drives. Most recently The port bellows was replaced in september (boat hauled for hurricane and found tear in bellows) Boat relaunched late september for one month. When the boat was hauled the marina said it had been serviced just 30 days ago no need to pull drive. The boat splashed Memorial Day weekend and almost immediately noted noise from the drive. Hauled and two small pinholes in bellows noted. Port Gimbal Bearing and bellows replaced.

Over the 4th noted growling from Stbd drive. Boat pulled today reported dry bellows with a bad gimbal bearing. OEM bellows. Everyone scratching their head. Thats why I wonder if keeping it moored with the drives up is somehow contributing to this problem.

 

[Don S]

Re: Multiple bellows failures on 2003 8.1GiBF mated to DPS-M

When I lived in Alaska, we kept out drives down, mostly to keep otters and other water creatures for eating the bellows. Which is why you seldom seen an OMC stringer drive. The bellows was on the outside, and many a boat sank from the critters chewing holes in the bellows.

Who knows, maybe you have the same thing going on.

 

[TheoMD]

Re: Multiple bellows failures on 2003 8.1GiBF mated to DPS-M

Might be.

The gimbal bearing on the port side that just failed had no evidence of water intrusion bellows was intact and dry inside??? Gimbal bearing in that drive only 2 years old.