shift cable bellows

[jones20992]

Well last weekend I noticed my shift cable bellows needs replaced can I put this off until I put the boat up for winter or is this something I need to take care of right away?

Fyi its 96 230 br 5.7 4bbl alpha one gen 2 with sei 116 upper

 

[Bt Doctur]

It would be better than taking a chance at sinking if the bilge pump fails

 

[Lazy Daze]

A torn shift bellows will allow water to leak in. How much, depends on the tear.

 

[jones20992]

Its a steady drip I noticed it because my bildge seemed to be running more often then usual when we were camping

 

[Lazy Daze]

Something to keep in mind... drips don't usually "stop"... they have a tendency to get worse - often at the most inopportune time. Is the boat left in the water? I would say don't chance it - it needs to be fixed - make an appointment and get it done - most likely can get done pretty quickly. Do all the bellows while you're there, and consider trim senders along with checking gimbal bearing and alignment.

 

[jones20992]

My plan was to do billows, gimble bearing. Lower shift cable, trim sensors, gear lube, rotor cap plugs and wires all at the same time. Looks like it may be sooner then later

Anything else I should look at doing since ill have every thing apart?

 

[SloBurn]

Grease the universals. Replace impeller while you have the outdrive off.

 

[BillK2632]

Tough call. When mine started leaking I used the boat a few more times. It was leaking about a gallon every couple of hours. I am dry stored so boat was not left in the water unattended. These were short trips, a couple of afternoons within 15min of the marina and lift. So IMHO a few more days on the water are possible assuming the boat is not too far from a trailer or lift. I would keep an eye on it and not leave it unattended.