How long should replacing the bellows on an alpha 1 drive take and how much should it cost for the job to get done?

The bellows only cost ~$25 - $30.

I just put one on a friends boat. It can take anywhere between 10 minutes and several hours... He unsuccessfully attempted to install it last year and gave up.

• Raise the outdrive.
• Remove the old bellows. (There is a hole in the transom assembly to allow access with a screwdriver.
• Clean both end connection points.
• Securely attach the bellows to the transom side.
• Attach a couple heavy zip ties around the bellows about 2-3 rings down from the drive end.
• Loop a couple zip ties through the previous ties at the 3:00 and 9:00 positions. You just created "ears" to pull from.
• Hook a ratchet tie down strap through the looped zip ties and around the upper gear case. Slowly tighten the ratchet strap while guiding the bellows on to the drive. You may need a dental pick or small screwdriver to help position it.
• Once in place - tighten the hell out of it!

It would be helpful is you had an assistant. I hope this helps - it worked for me. Good Luck!

Thanks for the info. Im trying to gage what it would cost to have a mechanic do it. He told me a parts kit for it would cost around 180

You're talking about the exhaust bellows, correct?

the kit hes talking about probably includes exhaust bellows or tube, drive shaft bellows, gimbal bearing, the water tube and the mounting gasket and oring.. they are usually priced right around there for that. if im ever into the job that far i spend 20 bucks and replace the impeller also. the tube is the way to go on the exhaust bellow.

mechanic said everything needs to be done except for the exhaust bellow..

Just had both bellows, lower shift cable, gimble bearing, and water transfer tube replaced on my Gen2 Alpha. Cost $1200 out the door using genuine Mercruiser parts.