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Boating Magazine. 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. These can wear out and require regular replacement (see owner’s manual for service intervals).
How much are 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.
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.
How long do bellows last on a boat?
Checking your bellows should be done annually and replaced when necessary. Please keep in mind that bellows are rubber and deteriorate over time. We have found that bellows life expectancy is about 6 years.
How do I know if my bellows are leaking?
If it is leaking badly, you’ll hear a roaring sound coming from the back of the boat. That’s a sure sign. It’s basically water getting into the bearing grease and rusting the bearing. When bellows crack, water can seep into the boat and soak your output shaft and gimbal bearing.
How often should you change boat bellows?
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.
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.
Do you need exhaust bellows?
Flex bellows are an essential part of any exhaust system regardless of its application. They increase longevity, can improve performance & allow for a higher quality end product meaning you must select the correct component for your needs.
How do you inspect Stern drive bellows?
Look for any signs of moisture on the bottom of the u-joint bellow. With the drive full trimmed up turn hard to the left. This will give you excellent access to inspect the shift bellow. Pull the outdrive to check the alignment and check for any signs of moisture in the bellows and shift cavity.
Why is my boat taking on water?
Boat take on water either due to loose screws, damaged bellows (on sterndrives), loose hose connections, loose rub rail, livewells, leaks on the hull, faulty seacock or thru-hull, loose drain holes/plugs, leak in the cooling system, bad seals on the prop shaft, or loose speedometer pickup hose.
What is a gimbal on a boat?
A gimbal is a pivoted support or mount that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis. on a Boat, the gyroscopes, rate gyros, marine compasses, stoves, and even drink holders, typically use gimbals to keep them upright with respect to the horizon despite the ship’s pitching and rolling.
How do I know if my Mercruiser gimbal bearing is bad?
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.
Why do boats get water in the bilge?
Bilge water enters from an array of different sources, including but not limited to Prop and rudder shaft packing, a weak or rusty hose clamp, dry rotted or damaged hoses, old and worn out thru hull fitting, mast drip, window or port hole leaks, air conditioning condensation sweat, engine exhaust leak, hatch leak, or a Feb 21, 2020.
How do you maintain an inboard outboard motor?
Here are more boat maintenance tips to apply regularly: Replace spark plugs as needed. Regularly check for water in the fuel. Keep an eye on the engine’s oil level. Check the fuel lines for cracks and wear. Check the propeller and engine belts for wear, and replace them as needed. Replace damaged fuel hoses.
How do manifolds and risers work?
Exhaust manifolds and risers are large metal castings that carry hot exhaust gasses away from the engine block on inboard engines. The exhaust hose is then attached to the aft end of the riser or elbow.
Should there be any water in the bilge?
This is normal and should not be a cause for concern as long as the water does not keep entering the boat. As long as the bilge pump is not running often, the amount of water in the bilge should be safe.
Are stern drives any good?
The advantages to a sterndrive are the vessel design and ability to offer larger horsepower options. With a lot of fishing boats, the rear deck space and access is important. For those looking to do water sport, it can be beneficial having a rear swim platform without a motor protruding in the middle.
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).
