Replacing bellows on Volvo saildrive

[Popeye46]

Recently bought a 2006 43ft sailing cat with 55hp volvos and saildrives. I also recently found out that Volvo recommend that the rubber bellows are replaced after 7 years and that insurance may not pay out if there is a problem caused by the saildrives if they have not being replaced.
Been on Utube and viewed a video, I reckon I can handle the job. One question what type of adhesive is used to secure the outer rubber onto the underside of the hull? Any other info would be appreciated.

Happy Days Sailing
Frank

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Popeye46

Recently bought a 2006 43ft sailing cat with 55hp volvos and saildrives. I also recently found out that Volvo recommend that the rubber bellows are replaced after 7 years and that insurance may not pay out if there is a problem caused by the saildrives if they have not being replaced.
Been on Utube and viewed a video, I reckon I can handle the job. One question what type of adhesive is used to secure the outer rubber onto the underside of the hull? Any other info would be appreciated.

Happy Days Sailing
Frank

just speculating here,as i have never replaced one,but i did have a pair from lombardini in my workshop that i resold,these had a profile in the flange cover and the bellows had an identical raised ribbed profile molded into its mating surfaces.

as far as i could tell there was no glue as it relied on a mechanical seal from the raised ribs.

though probably silicone grease would be used to avoid pinching and corrosion.

[DougR]

Years ago Volvo supplied a tube of adhesive with the outer fairing rubber, but that ended long ago due to chemical shipping regulations and the like.

I have been told by several VP dealers that "3M Black super weatherstrip adhesive #08008" works well. 3M also makes a primer to go along with this adhesive.

Like everything else, good preparation is the key to getting these things to stay in place.

DougR

[inlogo]

Thanks for your post. I have read it carefully.

[CHRISBENJES]

As I remember, it is the heavy inner seal that is to be replaced every 7 years. No sealant is used on it. Many boats don't even utilize an outer seal.

[PeaceLoveMusic]

What you say in your original post is correct. I have just done both of mine (on a cat). The "banjo" gasket inside the hull has none but I guess a rubber grease wouldn't hurt. The outer boot uses a silicone glue.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Popeye46

Recently bought a 2006 43ft sailing cat with 55hp volvos and saildrives. I also recently found out that Volvo recommend that the rubber bellows are replaced after 7 years and that insurance may not pay out if there is a problem caused by the saildrives if they have not being replaced.
Been on Utube and viewed a video, I reckon I can handle the job. One question what type of adhesive is used to secure the outer rubber onto the underside of the hull? Any other info would be appreciated.

Happy Days Sailing
Frank

Reads to me like you are talking about 2 different things here. The bellows do not contact the outter hull, so by "outter rubber" do you mean just the fairing piece that fits over the hole in the hull?

[Popeye46]

Sorry, I was referring to outer hull fairing rubber. I believe this simply reduces the drag caused by the cavity housing the leg. Thanks for advice on the 3M product.

[MARC D]

In Volvo Penta shop where I work, mechanics use sealant named : RIGHT STUFF

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Popeye46

Sorry, I was referring to outer hull fairing rubber. I believe this simply reduces the drag caused by the cavity housing the leg. Thanks for advice on the 3M product.

Yes, its just a fairing.

If you do a really good job on surface prep and applying the adhesive, you may get a few seasons out of the fairing...if not, less.

The bellows themselves use no adhesive per Volvo, but Ive seen plenty if installs slathered in 5200. I just replaced mine, no adhesives, no leaks.

As long as the engine bed area is fair where it mates to the bellows adhesive/sealant should not be necessary.

And, there are several threads here on this subject already which would be good to review.