OMC Cobra U-Joint Bellow Problem

[rybad]

1989 Twin OMC Cobra (350/5.7)

Each season, I pull my outdrives, check/grease spline, gimbal, u-joints. For some reason, (usually only my stbd side) 2 of the last four seasons, I get water in the ujoint bellow. Last summer, I started to hear a "hum" from that side, so I pulled my boat, and sure enough, the bearing was shot. I changed the bearing, checked the u-joints, put new u-joint bellow and ran it the rest of the season (about 2-3 months). This spring, I pulled that side, and again.. water, and the bearing (that I just put in) is shot.

If I didnt have two outdrives, I would think I was doing something wrong, but I dont have a problem on the other side.

In any event, I guess it could just be the luck of the draw, but can someone tell me if there are any suggestions on how to properly put the new bellows on?

I use the bellow glue, and as best as possible, I line everything up. Sometime the drive is hard to get back on, and I suspect that when it's hard, thats when I mess it up. But are there any "tips" on how best to do this? Also, should I grease, or glue the carrier bearing edge where the bellow meets up?

Usually, when I have this problem, the bellow is gouged up right at the "rim". I also have been usuing the newer style bellows with the tapered edge, that go on easier.

As of right now, I'm ordering a new bellow and bearing, but I'm not confident that I can prevent water from getting in again. Any suggestions are appreciated.

-David

P.S. I own, and use the alignment tool everytime..

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC Cobra U-Joint Bellow Problem

Water in the bellows means you also have water in the ujoints and gimbal bearing. Water IS NOT a lubricant and will ruin bearings.
Replace the gimbal bearing and ujoints and replace the bellows. That's what keeps the bearings dry.
Make sure the lip of the bellows is all the way on the bellhousing. I'll see if I can find a picture.

 

[rybad]

Re: OMC Cobra U-Joint Bellow Problem

Don,

I am aware that the bellow is to keep the water out (no offense intended), but thats why I posting the question.

I know the inside of the bellow has a good seal on the bell-housing. My problem is that I have a hard time getting it to butt up to the carrier bearing. When I get the drive on, I can't see that area (it's covered), so when I get the drive on, I can only assume I didnt pinch the bellow, or whatever. So I'm wondering two things;

1) is there any tricks or tips on how to be sure that the bellow is properly seated at the carrier bearing?

2) should I use bellow glue on the carrier bearing surface where the bellow butts up, or should I use grease (or nothing)? I have been told different things.

When I pulled the drive, the "lip" surface on the bellow is nicked up and gouged, so I know if didnt put it on right last time, and this is where the water came in. I did not get any water in the lower unit (thank God).

Thanks.