Detached hose question

[Jpagel]

Just discovered a detached hose and am having trouble figuring how to get it back on. Here's a short video of the issue, appreciate any thoughts: https://youtu.be/aENDRyasTM8

[mmwjr]

The like doesn’t work for me.

[Jpagel]

Originally Posted by mmwjr

The like doesn’t work for me.

Sorry, wrong link. Here it is. I think you have to copy and paste

https://youtu.be/LeLX45qpATE

[jparsons121]

That’s your exhaust bellow. It’s a real pain to attach.
I recommend using the mercury bellows adhesive on both the inside of the bellows and around the horn on the drive. Let it sit until tacky. Then withe the drive almost all the way down, lever the bellows back on and secure with the clamp. Also, there should be a metal clip on the bellows edge. Be sure it’s on the bottom. It has little teeth that will help grab the horn while the adhesive sets up.

Normally you would attach that side first and then lower the drive to help force the forward end onto the transom assembly, but if that end is secure, it’s worth a shot at reattaching the aft end only.

[Phillbo]

Or, replace it with the shorter version that does not even connect to the drive. That's what my boat has.

Being loose will not hurt anything I don't think.

[mmwjr]

Yes exhaust bellows. Either reconnect it which will provide a quieter exhaust or replace it with the newer exhaust tube. I would not leave it as is because exhaust gases may cause the prop cavitation and slip.

[Jpagel]

Thank you very much for your replies. They were VERY helpful. I've watched a couple YouTube videos showing how to use zip ties and gasket adhesive for reattachment and I am about to attempt it. One remaining question though. Here's a pic of what I see in the drive exhaust tube. Is whatever that is normal? I just want to make sure it's not plugged with something that's not supposed to be there and that's why the bellows came off.

[jparsons121]

Good catch.
Not normal. That’s the remains of the exhaust flapper that’s higher up in the Y-Pipe.
Remove the remnants from the bellow before reattaching. Replacing the flapper is done inside at the joint where the elbow meets the Y-pipe.

They are mounted in the exhaust to prevent water intrusion if/when you catch a following wave or back down off plane quickly and water rushes up the exhaust.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by jparsons121

Good catch.
Not normal. That’s the remains of the exhaust flapper that’s higher up in the Y-Pipe.
Remove the remnants from the bellow before reattaching. Replacing the flapper is done inside at the joint where the elbow meets the Y-pipe.

They are mounted in the exhaust to prevent water intrusion if/when you catch a following wave or back down off plane quickly and water rushes up the exhaust.

Exactly!

[Jpagel]

You guys are fantastic. I can't tell you how grateful I am. All the boat mechanics around here have a minimum 8 week wait time and I had promised I'd take my son and his buddies out tomorrow. I got the flapper out and barely got the bellows on after 3 tries. I'm not sure how far on it is but I'm giving it a try.

[jparsons121]

Glad we could help!
Just be sure that you come off plane slowly if you don’t have time to replace the flapper.
That will minimize your following wake and reduce the chance of any water backing up the exhaust. Also, if the bellows does come off, you can keep running. At least for that day anyway.
The new horn style bellows isn’t connected on the aft end by design and just overlaps the horn. (Picture a cone or a megaphone shaped end on it).