Got the old bellows off, and broke down and went to the library for a chiltons-like service manual. they talk about bellows adheasive, which I don't have, and the parts departments are closed now. What is the adheasive, can a generaic be found at a hardware store, and is it really needed?

Are there any tricks to getting the new bellows installed on a TRS drive.

thanks

I can not remember if you have the Merc Trans or the BW ones but if you have the Merc Trans then make sure that you do not loose the washer off the inside of the tail shaft. If you do you will rip the seal in the tranny.

I did not use the adhesive but I will the next time around. Got a little water in there. They are easy to do, just takes some time and if you can get some help that is a HUGE plus.

Jon

I've got the BW trans.

Is it a bushing or a bearing that supports the driveshaft at the aft end by the u joint? (The drive shaft is inserted through this ring before the splines are engaged). I hope that brass ring is a bushing, because I can't spin it

Chart take a look at your drive shaft. The drive shaft tapers out (gets fatter) on the splined area as you head towards the drive. Then it goes flat were the bearing sits. If that bearing is Seized you HAVE to replace it!!!!!! VERY IMPORTANT!!!!

Jon

We are thinking along the same lines. Yes, it is flat for about 3/8 of an inch, but shows no sign of wear now. I just found the holw in the bellows a few weeks ago, and there was water in the void around the drive shaft, fwd of the bearing/bushing. It could have seized just sitting during the winter with water from the fall. that is my second best option, first being it is a bushing.

if it is a bearing, it is completely sealed on the side facing out. No sign of any moving parts.

PICTURES PLEASE

Jon

okay

I drove a wooden wedge into the bearing/bushing, and it would not spin.

Yup that bearing has to spin. Lucky for you it can be replaced in the boat.

Jon

As Jon says, that is a bearing and it MUST be free to spin. When you have it out see if there is any trans fluid in the space behind it. The coupler that the drive plugs in to is steel and it wil rust and take out the oil seal. Here is a link to the breakdown, sorry the picture is not better.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...SSION+ASSEMBLY