Bellows replacement - Merc 350 / Bravo 3

[lambeck4]

Planning on bringing our boat out of the mine in 2 weeks and looking for advice on bellows replacement. Our boat is a 2003, always used in fresh water. Last season, I started noticing water accumulation in the engine bilge, with the bilge pump operating every few hours to empty approx. 1 - 2 quarts of water. I suspect the water leakage may be caused by worn / cracked bellows.

Has anyone had the bellows replacement performed recently & know how much it will cost - parts & labor?

Could this be done DIY? Any other Idea's on where the water could be entering the bilge?

Thanks in advance!

[JZelt]

Ours was leaking at the shift cable bellow.
I would suggest taking it to a non-busy ramp and slowly back down watching when the water starts to trickle in and if you can determine where or how deep. (watch the bilge plug for a min, then back further...)

Keeping the drive raised allowed more water to flow in since is stretched everything out. Lowering the drive, pushed the bellow together and therefore just a trickle would come in. Good luck in finding it.

[lambeck4]

JZelt - Were the shift bellows, something you could change out yourself?

[JZelt]

Possibly could have. This was on a Chaparral. It was tight behind the motor to get access and before I knew anything about maintenance.
Believe paid mechanic 300 to do it instead if I recall.
500 I think will get the gimbal and shift boots changed. Might as well do both if you are in there.