ok- time to get started on my bellows repair

rasbury

First step is to line up my parts- looking on line I see a varity of prices- should I just head down to my local merc dealer? Are they just by the year or do I ref a out drive serial? Where do I start with parts?

Cableguy Greg

Listen to Al!!!

rasbury

Thanks, I will check that out....but, I need to replace the shift cable in the process?

rasbury

https://nuwavemarine.com/mercruiser/transom-assy/bravo/bellows-repair/sierra-mercruiser-bravo-bellows-seal-repair-kit-8m0095485-30-803100t1-18-8212-1-greasable/?utm_medium=googleshopping&utm_source=bc&gclid=CP-7tNWyjdQCFQ-1wAod-zYOlg this is the first thing that pops up ....and I have a zert to grease the gimbal....what about the shift cable, am I understanding that I need to replace?

pault1216

I think every mechanic that ever worked on my boats recommends shift cable (lower) to be replaced during bellows service as preventative maintenance and I agree. -Paul

Cableguy Greg

When my mechanic replaced my bellows, he replaced the shift cable. Like I said above, Listen to Al!!!

rasbury

There is no question, I'm listening to Al....if I were closer to Al, Al would be doing it! I do however like to do things I can do myself as I like to tinker and learn....this project I don't think I can get into to much trouble with...so, the cable, which I have never replaced on a boat, you buy them by the foot? I don't get why it has to come out anyway, but, I'm sure when I did into it that will become obvious! I assume it has to do with it has to pass through the shift cable boot.....So the kit I found by Sierra would be fine? There are no model year issues or variables I need to be concerned with? I'm ready to get that ordered! Kills me I'm not on the water this weekend. New job however seems to be going well so I'm eying that money pit again.... 

trip_n

@rasbury tinkering on his rinker.

frenchship

 Don't forget the glue for te bellows......

zaverin1

Spend the 1200 and have a pro do it
trust me
once again trust me

zaverin1

All rubbers
lower shift cable
sending units and gimball bearing is usually done all at the same time
every 3-5 years depending on usage and water

rasbury

Yep Al, it will be on the parts list....not listening to the naysayers....well not right now anyway. This will be fun! Kit I'm looking at has the new gimbal...

reneechris14

See cable has to come out so boot can go on.

rasbury

That's what I was thinking....i assume that end won't go through the boot so you have to take it off anyway...correct?

rasbury

How do I figure out the correct length cable to order, other than the obvious, or is it the obvious?

Cableguy Greg

The cable is a set cable. You can only order a lower shift cable. Be sure to take a picture of the route before you pull the old one out. 

rasbury

10 4!

zaverin1

Ras
your boat is on a trailer
take it
to a rapair shop
short turn around and you will save money 
your time is worth more specially being on the water 
what you don't get is all the special tools
and tricks you will need to do this job
i ve done it several times prior to my motorcycle accident and it's not easy
trust me
you will save few hundred by the time you are done in July 

rasbury

I wish I could @alswagg as that is an awesome offer! I have an offer for loan of the tools, I have pulled motors out of cars, motorcycles and generally a handy person. I am by no means a mechanic. The more I learn of this, the more I'm inclined to do it. I also have a pretty good friend around the corner that is a certified merc mechanic that I never ask for help- not yet and saving that card for when I really need it. If the out drive were older, badly corroded and in general not good health I would leave it to more experienced eyes. I have 300 hours on for the most part fresh water, and spent its life on a lift or a trailer. We can do this!

rasbury

https://nuwavemarine.com/mercruiser/outdrive/bravo/shift-cable/oem-mercruiser-bravo-1-2-3-shift-cable-lower-drive-kit-865437a02. Is this my shift cable? I'm not getting that one cable works on any boat no matter what the length of the boat?

Cableguy Greg

rasbury said:

https://nuwavemarine.com/mercruiser/outdrive/bravo/shift-cable/oem-mercruiser-bravo-1-2-3-shift-cable-lower-drive-kit-865437a02. Is this my shift cable? I'm not getting that one cable works on any boat no matter what the length of the boat?

That's the one.

rasbury

10 4z thx. Will probably bring the boat home this week and start on the stand...I'm sure ready the water.

rasbury

Update- parts ordered! Went with sierra parts per Al's recommend...nu wave marine.

rasbury

 Parts were shipped today!

Trashman

rasbury said:

https://nuwavemarine.com/mercruiser/outdrive/bravo/shift-cable/oem-mercruiser-bravo-1-2-3-shift-cable-lower-drive-kit-865437a02. Is this my shift cable? I'm not getting that one cable works on any boat no matter what the length of the boat?

The guys at nuwave are really good with explaining parts and what you will need.  I bought from them many times through ebay before i discovered they are 25 mins from my house.  Bellows job isnt rocket science when you have access to the advise from the forum. I do suggest being careful to not snap the thru transom drive lube fitting.  Its very brittle

rasbury

@trashman that is one item that I have been totally unclear how that comes apart- other than the shift cable I assume that is the only other connection to the drive other than the bellows them selves and the trim cylinders. As I pull the drive back, what am I looking for ? Also, does the zert for the gimbal bearing need to be removed before try to remove the bearing, is it connected to the bearing outer ring in an way or is it just a passage that gets the grease to it?

reneechris14

Zert can stay it just let's greese in you will not use it the new gimbal barring is sealed.the oil line is just on a barbed fitting when all things are off it is the only thing holding the gimbal ring so don't let it hang.

rasbury

What about that thru transom drive lube fitting....also, the kit I bought had in big bold letters it has a greasable ( is that not a word?) bearing.....must be an older kit....probably buying a bellows kit that has bellows older than the ones I'm replacing!

reneechris14

No you just got the greese able one good jod

zaverin1

Ras
take the parts to the shop and pay for labor
i am telling you 
you will waste time money sweat and tears
what you are attempting is not for rookies or seasoned folks
i have marinas do my drives
bellows and cables require skill and tools

zaverin1

I am sorry and I am sure you are a smart guy just been there done that