Where is the bellow replacement thread?

298VISTA2000 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 29, 2009 7:34 pm

I have searched numerous threads and can't find the thread that detailed bellow replacement. From what I recall, this thread was very detailed with many pictures and step by step instructions. I would appreciate any help in finding it. Thanks.

powellcrazy · **Posted:** Wed Dec 30, 2009 9:27 pm

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=3363

This was all I found.

It is a fairly simple job, you just need a service book, I don't have the "volvo" manual just the cheap "sealock" one little book covers 15 years and many different models. But enough info to get you through the job.

I bought OEM service manuals for our 1st two boats, and never really used them for the price I paid for them, I now believe in the cheap ones. Will be a wise $30-40 spent.

The only special tool I ever used on the drives I have pulled, is a swivel socket for the 6 nuts to remove the drive. I removed our King Cobra out drive without a stand or lift, so it can be done, but what a PITA.

298VISTA2000 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:23 pm

That's the thread. Believe it or not, some of us actually read these posts. What I was after was the outdrive support and if I can't use the yard's, then I will have to build one that is similar to yours (see below). Thanks again and I have my boat scheduled to be hauled out after the first of the year. I will do my best to document this undertaking but a word of warning, it won't be pretty to begin with.

picture by powellcrazy

JeffK · **Posted:** Thu Jan 28, 2010 6:33 pm

ANybody REALLY know what a 2006 VP SX Drive weighs? The book says 500 lbs?

acguy · **Posted:** Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:29 pm

I pulled my DP drive in the fall, after it was off and on the ground I was able to lift it on my own with no trouble. My guess would be 100 lbs, at best!

LouC · **Posted:** Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:17 pm

Yep I'd guess about 90 lbs or so....I could lift my Cobra up pretty easily and I'm 54 years old...but I built a drive cart out of wood and added casters because although the removal is easy...getting it back on (keeping the driveshaft straight with the ujoints trying to flop around) is a whole lot easier if you don't have to hold the thing up while you are bending over (bad bad for your back!)
Anyone who has a sterndrive who does their own work should build a good stand and buy an alignment tool....I've saved a lot of money doing the annual service myself...my boat has not been back at the mechanic for about 5 years now....

JeffK · **Posted:** Fri Jan 29, 2010 11:15 am

Thanks, I am to the point over the weekend to do this, and I was looking at it last night...................There is no way that thing weighs 500 lbs!!!!!

And I plan to make a stand, I can't see holding up the drive and trying to align the shaft into the motor.

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 29, 2010 3:13 pm

Jeff there are plans on CSR on how to make a cheap drive stand, I did it myself and will use it in the spring.

a 2x8 that's 6' long I believe. Cut four 1.5' long sections, and screw them together making an H shape. Put on four casters, and your all set. The skeg fits in the middle section of it, and the bullet part of the lower unit gets stopped by the wood and it should hold it up just fine.

Total cost--$20 or so? Mostly in casters!

298VISTA2000 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 29, 2010 4:04 pm

firecadet613 wrote:

Jeff there are plans on CSR on how to make a cheap drive stand, I did it myself and will use it in the spring.

a 2x8 that's 6' long I believe. Cut four 1.5' long sections, and screw them together making an H shape. Put on four casters, and your all set. The skeg fits in the middle section of it, and the bullet part of the lower unit gets stopped by the wood and it should hold it up just fine.

Total cost--$20 or so? Mostly in casters!

My complements to the ingenious one on CSR! I am the guy who started this thread and I am still waiting for my marina to free up 2 more boat stands so I can begin my bellow replacement adventure. They have 2 boat stands available right now and I was thinking about using concrete blocks for the other 2 stands. Has anyone ever used concrete blocks in lieu of boat stands for a cruiser? Thanks.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Fri Jan 29, 2010 5:31 pm

Just a thought regarding the one Firecadet pictured. If I was building that, I'd extend it out at least 8-10" further in every direction, and use at least 1/4" lag screws to hold everything together. The one pictured doesn't look too stable to me, but the basic design is nice - cheap and easy to build. Also, before deciding how close together to put the two center boards, look closely at your skeg to see if it has any warp in it. Many do but it's not obvious unless you look closely.

I'd also use double locking urethane casters, but I admit they'd be overkill.

298VISTA2000 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 29, 2010 6:31 pm

230 Mike wrote:

Also, before deciding how close together to put the two center boards, look closely at your skeg to see if it has any warp in it. Many do but it's not obvious unless you look closely.

LOL. I know for a fact that one of my skegs has a nice "warp" to it due to bottoming out so I better leave a good 1/4" to 1/2" between the two center boards. The tech that worked on my boat the last time said not to touch the bent skeg because "if it ain't broke (or outdrive not vibrating in this case) don't fix it". It is amazing how the outdrive just balances itself on this rig. I guess most of the weight is definitely at the bottom. Thanks.

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 29, 2010 6:49 pm

230 Mike wrote:

Just a thought regarding the one Firecadet pictured. If I was building that, I'd extend it out at least 8-10" further in every direction, and use at least 1/4" lag screws to hold everything together. The one pictured doesn't look too stable to me, but the basic design is nice - cheap and easy to build. Also, before deciding how close together to put the two center boards, look closely at your skeg to see if it has any warp in it. Many do but it's not obvious unless you look closely.

I'd also use double locking urethane casters, but I admit they'd be overkill.

Some good additions Mike. The one I have pictured is not mine, just a picture I borrowed from that thread. Mine's out in the shed and hasn't been used yet.

LouC · **Posted:** Fri Jan 29, 2010 9:18 pm

There is a thread over at Iboats on drive stands...mine is in there under my same user name...
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=2258649

PDACPA · **Posted:** Fri May 07, 2010 9:52 am

Looking for a thread with pictures for the gimball and bellow replacement. I do better with pictures.

Thanks if anyone can point me to one.

BrentC5Z · **Posted:** Fri May 07, 2010 11:49 am

LOL!! When I first looked at the stand pictured... :shock:

But, If I didn't have kids running around in my shop it probably would be sufficient.

www.iFourWinns.com

Where is the bellow replacement thread?

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