Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

[Dream Weaver]

I have an 83 Bayliner Capri with the AQ125 / 270 and I am constantly going through exhaust bellow hoses. The last one I put on it lasted for 2 weekends (or 2 tanks of fuel) before it ripped. I didn't notice it ripped at the lake but rather a few days after it had been sitting in my barn. I always keep the outdrive all the way up whenever it is not in water, do you think that is why they are tearing? They always seem to tear on the bottom of the hose closer to the outdrive. Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions??? Thank you!

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

The outdrive should be kept down to minimize strain on the bottom of the bellows but your experience sounds extreme. Are there perhaps rough edges on the bottom of the flywheel cover that could cut or abrade the bellows? I would think that even an aftermarket bellows would last longer than a few weeks. Are these new replacemnet bellows or some that have been sitting around for a few years and subject to ozone degradation? Yes, that last one is a bit of a long shot but I've seen rubber parts degrade.

 

[Don S]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

Was it an oem or aftermarket belows. Please tell me it's not a Mallory bellows. Otherwise, they have done it again.

 

[Dream Weaver]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

The first one that ripped was the one on the boat when I got it which was old and definitely dry rotted. The new one I replaced it with was an OEM Volvo part, it lasted 2 weekends but I don't remember it being torn when I took the boat out of the water. I only noticed it torn the other day after it had been sitting in my barn with the outdrive all the way up for about a week.

I assume Mallory is an aftermarket company to avoid??

 

[Don S]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

I only noticed it torn the other day after it had been sitting in my barn with the outdrive all the way up for about a week.

Perhaps you have a critter in the barn that likes to chew on the bellows. Wouldn't be the first time. Otters like chewing on them IN the water.

 

[Dream Weaver]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

Don - That did cross my mind. There is no doubt I have lots of bunnies and mice on my property but I have not found any evidence of chewing or droppings or anything. It does appear that the exhaust bellow just keeps ripping on the inside seam on the hose, like where the metal rings go around. It rips on the bottom and closer to the outdrive where there is the most flex/pull on it with the outdrive up. I am putting a new one on tomorrow and I will begin keeping the boat stored with the outdrive down...see if that helps or fixes my issue.

Otters chew on bellows IN the water?! Lol wow...those little bastards!

 

[Don S]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

You aren't overtightening the hose clamp are you? Another possibility is the edge of the flange the bellows attaches to. If it's sharp from corrosion, it will cut the bellow when up.

 

[Dream Weaver]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

So I replaced the exhaust bellow with a new OEM Volvo bellow. I'm pretty sure the torn bellow I took off was an aftermarket peice. I checked the flanges for sharp edges but they were smooth. I don't believe I have been overtighening the hose clamps becuase the bellows haven't been tearing near the clamp. I have a couple of pictures but I'm not sure how to post pictures on here?

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

Directions for posting pictures are here: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=410147

 

[jimi]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

The exhaust bellow I installed last fall as part of winterizing blew after about an hour this spring. May have been a bad batch of rubber or old stock. I'm pretty sure it was a OEM but I'll make double sure the next one is!

 

[Don S]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

Why are you replying to old 2011 thread? Did you miss the red warning bar at the bottom of the page.

I doubt he has been waiting for two years for a reply.

 

[jimi]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

removed.

 

[jimi]

Re: Why do I keep tearing exhaust bellows??

Sorry