How do you get the retainer ring back in the boot? That mofo dont want to go on.

Be sure the groove in the bellhousing is clean so the second rib on the bellows fits into the groove properly. A little bit of petroleum jelly, soapy water or for best results Mercury marine Power Tune Engine Cleaner, 13 oz merc part #92-858080Q02 sprayed on the inside of the bellows and the outside of the ring usually helps enough so that you may be able to push it in with your fingers. If it tries to come out, just hold it in place for a minute or so and it should stay on.

Are you using Mercruiser sleeve installation tool part number 91-818162? I haven't tried it but some have said they've successfully used a coffey can of same diameter as the sleeve to help push it on.

two fingers my ass , im building a tool to help drive them in boat tech thanks for the reply I will see if I can get them in tonite.a buddy said the same thing about the 2 finger deal. he said it should just roll right in there.

spend the 20 bucks and buy it,,mine fits on the end of my aleignment tool and i use a dead blow hammer to ionstall it..

I just use a block of wood and a hammer. Never had any trouble...

Make sure you are in the second groove. Very important.

Jeff

This is your problem. It is easy to not get the bellows in the correct position. The ring can be pressed in by hand most times if the bellows is installed correctly. If not, you will never get the ring in. Good luck.

Dan

I have the merc tool but very seldom need to use it. I use a soap spray solution and usually goes in with fingers. When I use the tool I never even use a hammer, just push it in by hand. As others have said make sure the bellows in installed properly, it the top isn't at the top it won't fit in the groove properly and you'll never get the ring in. I've also seen some aftermarket bellows that wouldn't fit right, I think they were Alpha's though.

I only see one groove, the second? I got the tool but it still wont go in. looks as tho theres only one groove.

can someone show me the right groove.