U-Joint Bellows Installation - Doing It Right the Second Time

[joe_nj]

I read the posts about using Power Tune fluid or a hair dryer so the bellows would go on easily and bought the power tune. But since, the videos I watched on Youtube didn't use either, I tried it without either too -- the bellows wouldn't go on all the way no matter how hard I tried until I figured the adhesive was not going to adhere to anything anymore. (I wasn't sure of the chemical interaction between the adhesive and the Power Tune which is why I held back.)

After removing the bellows and spending over an hour cleaning off the adhesive, I installed the bellows a second time - using both the blow dryer and the Power Tune techniques - I wasn't going to do it a third time. After letting the adhesive set, I sprayed the outlet with Power Tune and the bellows went right on - and would have happily slipped off again if I didn't hold it in place for awhile then had someone else hold it while I tightened it.

So, use the Power Tune - it's worth the $10. (12.69 at some stores.)

This could be a separate post - I don't know if it's really a good idea to spray what's left of this stuff into the engine - It's real purpose is to clean carbon from the engine by spraying it in the carb/FI. I'm wondering if it could damage the engine like they say that starter fluid can?

 

[Don S]

Re: U-Joint Bellows Installation - Doing It Right the Second Time

What happens so often with all the videos on utube is you get bad information. Just because someone posts a video doesn't make it accurate.
The only place Merc said to use Power Tuner is for installing the SS ring inside the Gen II bellows in the bell housing. You still use bellows adhesive where the bellows attaches to the gimbal housing.

The stuff is designed for outboards. Keep it on the shelf, you may find it useful for hoses and the other places. You don't have to use it up all at once. :facepalm:

 

[joe_nj]

Re: U-Joint Bellows Installation - Doing It Right the Second Time

What happens so often with all the videos on utube is you get bad information. Just because someone posts a video doesn't make it accurate.
. :facepalm:

You're right about that regarding youtube. I wasted a lot of time trying to get the exhaust bellows on without the expander tool like they say you could do on Youtube (but never showed the bellows actually going on - I think it was a joke.) Then I bought the tool for the price of half a tank of gas and the bellows went on in less than a minute.

 

[slag]

Re: U-Joint Bellows Installation - Doing It Right the Second Time

I'm nowhere near a marine shop. Is there an off the shelf replacement for powertune I can get at an auto parts store that does basically the same thing?

 

[slag]

Re: U-Joint Bellows Installation - Doing It Right the Second Time

Called the local marine shop. They said not to use powertune, use WD40. Same result, not as costly, and no special trip needed. Said they have been using wd40 for years and not had a single problem.

 

[Bondo]

Re: U-Joint Bellows Installation - Doing It Right the Second Time

Called the local marine shop. They said not to use powertune, use WD40. Same result, not as costly, and no special trip needed. Said they have been using wd40 for years and not had a single problem.

Ayuh,..... That's yer call,.... Don made a Power Tune believer outa Me,....

It dissipates, unlike WD-40...