How often should MerCruiser bellows be replaced?

How often should MerCruiser bellows be replaced?

every two years
Inspect the bellows annually and replace it every two years. Many, myself included, feel that if the drive is removed for inspection, you may as well just replace the bellows while you’re at it.

How do you know if your bellows are bad?

There is a very easy way to figure out if there is something that is wrong with your bellows – if there is water in your cabin, then there is likely a crack somewhere in your boat (or perhaps a loose gasket or clamp). If there is a loud noise while driving, that might also be a sign of trouble.

What are MerCruiser bellows?

Sterndrive bellows are rubber “boots” that seal out water around the exhaust, U-joints and shift cable, while allowing the drive to pivot and tilt. For now, let’s focus on the exhaust bellows, using the MerCruiser Alpha One as an example (counterclockwise from top).

What do the bellows do?

The bellows are used to deliver additional air to the fuel, raising the rate of combustion and therefore the heat output. Various kinds of bellows are used in metallurgy: Box bellows were and are traditionally used in East Asia. Pot bellows were used in ancient Egypt.

Will bad bellows sink a boat?

A crack in the exhaust bellows won’t sink your boat, but it will fill your bilge and make a mess in the cabin. You’ll find bellows only on stern drives and not inboards or outboards.

How hard is it to replace bellows on a boat?

You will need to remove the clamps on both ends of the exhaust bellows to replace it. You’ll find it easier if you cut the old one first. Clean the forward mount, followed by adhesive. Then, put the back clamp back in place and use a bellows expander tool to replace the part in the housing.

Do you need an exhaust bellow?

Technically you do not even need an exhaust bellows so either one is fine. Iv’e seen a few shift boots burn’t through from boats without an exhaust bellows or tube…

Can bad bellows sink a boat?

What do exhaust bellows do?

Most commonly, exhaust bellows are designed to limit the motion/kinetic energy within or passed along from the engine to high-cost emissions systems by absorbing displacements and vibrations and accommodating thermal expansion.

How much is it to replace bellows on a boat?

You can get a shift cable bellows for under $50. The other two will run around $100. You will need adhesive and lubricants specific to the make and model of your boat. Ironically, the time it takes to replace them is less than 30 minutes—after you’ve spent a few hours on the drive.

What happens when bellows fail?

Bellows must be flexible to allow steering and tilting and maintain that flexibility without fracturing under seasonal temperature swings, moisture and dryness, UV ray absorption, vibration and mechanical abrasion. If the bellows fail, they can let enough water into the boat to sink it.

What kind of drive bellows do I need for a stern drive?

Sierra 18-2747 Drive Bellows Sierra replacement drive bellows for Mercruiser Stern Drives. The 18-2747 Drive Bellows is manufactured to meet or exceed OEM requirements. Fits: Alpha One Gen II (1991 & Newer) and Vazer Interchangeable…

How do I know if my bellows are bad?

To inspect your bellows externally turn the drive to one side and look in the folds. There should be no evidence of dryness or cracking. Inspect each fold on all sides to make sure there are no cracks or cuts. A bad bellows will allow water to leak into the gimbal, the drive and the boat.

When should I replace my ujoint bellows?

This job is usually done at the same time as a few other of the jobs. For example, you usually replace the bellows when you are replacing your gimbal bearing. It is standard practice to also replace your shift cable when replacing your ujoint bellows. While the bellhousing is removed, some customers like to replace the Trim Sender Switches as well.

How are the bellows glued and clamped to the boat?

The Ujoint Bellows will first be glued and clamped to the bellhousing. Make sure the UP or TOP is correct. Make sure that the FORWARD on the bellows is towards the bow of the boat. The Exhaust Bellow or Exhaust Tube will be glued and clamped to the gimbal housing (transom housing).