Replacing Exhaust Bellows

[jerwilson1]

I have to replace the exhaust bellows in my 1987 3.0 Mercruiser. How difficult is this? I was just talking to a mechanic and he said it took him 5 hrs. one job to replace both bellows. Is it that much of a pain?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

5 hours seems kind of high to me.<br />Maybe Bondo or Rodbolt will respond to give you a better idea..

 

[jerwilson1]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

It seamed high to me also. From what I have read hear on the forum and in my Seloc manual, it did not seem that bad. Thanks for the input...

 

[fishnfiend]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

If you are talking about the bellows in the gimble area, 5 hours is very reasonable (do a search - diy'ers are suggested to set aside a full day for this job).<br /><br />If you are referring to the two rubber bellows between the exhaust riser and the tailpipe, more like an hour or two should do it, as long as everything is OK. I just replaced my "inside" bellows and it was a simple, fairly quick job.

 

[tommays]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

<br /><br />5 hours is a gift you gotta get cuts in places you never dreamed you could <br /><br />And thats if you dont destroy anything takeing it apart WHICH is what makes it hard some things come apart fine some dont<br /><br />tommays

 

[jerwilson1]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

O.K. I am so excited to replace them now. Hopefully it is just the exhaust bellow that I have to replace. Thanks for the input...

 

[milkyway]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

Let me know how it went. My exhaust bellow is showing some spider cracks and I have been putting this for last. Too many parts surrounding it and limited space.

 

[CrashX]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

Might as well do the u-joint bellows too while you're in there.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

If it's the exhaust bellows, I would suggest replacing it with an exhaust tube......took all of 5 minutes.

 

[CaptRon66]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

The first time I did bellows on a Mercruiser it really sucked. I didn't put the water tube through the transom far enough and the bellows was hitting the water hose. Since then I'm careful how the hose is placed. I make sure it is out of the way.But it gets easier. It helped for me to dry fit the drive shaft bellows first to see how far it goes on. I feel 5 hours is long. Not sure what the mechanics bill but it takes me less time.

 

[jerwilson1]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

I took the exhaust hose off last night, took about five minutes. But I need another to put on. Does anyone have any suggestions on what part to put back on. Bellow or Tube? And I need a cheap place where I can get one? I do not know the part #'s or vendor to get one quik. 3.0 Mercruiser 130hp 181 CID.

 

[Kevin70]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

Bass pro shops has a small selection. Most boating stores do also.

 

[Bsturkie]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

You can always overnight one from places like Iboats.com or www.go2marine.com. Remember to use liquid dish soap to "wiggle" it back on. A few days ago, I put my new exhaust manifold on and forgot the top radiator clamp!

 

[milkyway]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

jerwilson - Sounds like you're having fun. For my own guideline, are you working with the outdrive off, or on?

 

[milkyway]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

jerwilson - Sounds like you're having fun. For my own guideline, are you working with the outdrive off, or on?

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

I changed the exhaust bellows in my 160 last summer. It took me about 3 hrs, if I recall. Not the worst job I've ever undertaken but still pretty frustrating. I mean..it's right there and it looks sooo easy to get to.......I had skinned knuckles and total shame when I was done. I said things that would make a longshoreman cringe.<br />What is this replacement exhaust tube of which is being spoken?

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Replacing Exhaust Bellows

Exhaust tube ...............