How often should Mercruiser bellows be replaced?

every two years
Inspect the bellows annually and replace it every two years.

How do I check my bellows?

Use your fingers to pull apart the folds of the boot so you can see down into its valleys. Also, whenever you have the drive off for servicing, be sure to look at the boots from the inside, or have them looked at. Check for rust on the output shaft and U-joints, which is a sure sign water has intruded.

Where are the bellows located on a boat?

stern drives
Bellows are located on stern drives. They will not be found on inboards or outboards. These are found in the lower drive unit of your boat. These components also often come prepared with a pesticide that prevents wildlife from biting through the elements that are made of rubber.

How do you test bellows for leaks?

The hydrostatic pressure testing is necessary to check the pressure withstanding capability of bellow and detection of any leakage in the bellow This test involves filling of the expansion joint with a liquid, usually water. After filling, it can be pressurized up to the test pressure.

How long does it take to replace bellows?

You can’t take the full amount for each repair as some will require the same disassembly. Add another hour for exhaust bellows and more time for the shift bellows. 6 to 7 hours should be about average. Keep in mind this is an engine where everything comes apart as new and the same for reassembly.

What does a bad gimbal bearing sound like?

Your gimbal bearing will make the most noise when turning the boat. Will be a low pitched growl. Noise will usually subside some after several shots of grease to the gimbal zerk on the starboard side of the transom housing. A bad gimbal bearing will make noise anytime engine is running.

What do I need to replace Alpha Gen 2 bellows?

Tools Required to Replace Alpha Generation II U-Joint Bellows. The Gen II Bellows are held in place with an aluminum sleeve. To replace the Gen II Bellows you will need a Hinge Pin Tool, a Sleeve Removal Tool, a Sleeve Installation Tool,a Driver Rodwith Driver Head, and an Expansion Toolif you are installing the exhaust bellows.

How do you change a stern drive bellows?

If the drive is right-hand, put the shift lever in reverse; if it’s left-hand, put it in forward; if it’s a dual-prop drive, refer to your service manual. Now disconnect the shift cable at the engine.

When to replace exhaust bellows on MerCruiser Alpha?

These can wear out and require regular replacement (see owner’s manual for service intervals). Before anything, take off the drive (check out boatingmag.com/stern-drive-bellows ), and once you do, replace all bellows at once. For now, let’s focus on the exhaust bellows, using the MerCruiser Alpha One as an example (counterclockwise from top).

How do you replace a stern drive gasket?

Refer to your service manual for a unique tool or special tip that would allow you to remove the U-joint bellows (and shift cable and exhaust bellows, if applicable). Follow that advice and remove it. Replace with a new one. Replace all other O-rings and gaskets (might as well while the drive is apart).

How to replace bellows on a MerCruiser alpha 1 sterndrive?

Re: Replacing bellows on a Mercruiser alpha 1 sterndrive? Instead of starting a separate thread for each item on your transom shield, figure out what all you want to do and do it all at once.

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