VP DP290 bellows

[bubblehead]

After a bit of tech from the experts / those that can advise please.
Just fitted bellows yesterday to my DP290 but subsequently realised that I didn’t check the orientation, ie ‘top’ at top.
Annoyingly I used sealant as well so if it needs to come off will need to remove leg again in order to remove all sealant / clean surfaces prior to starting again.

My question is, if it isn’t in the correct orientation (will be checking tomorrow), does it matter, does it need to be changed?

Thanks in advance

 

[Refueler]

Don't know about the 290 but my 270 ... has two bellows ...

The Exhaust one has a TOP and bottom ... and is fitted without removing leg. reason for TOP is that there is a small hole set in the bottom to allow the bellows to drain ...
The Drive shaft bellows has no top / bottom - but does have a front - rear orientation due to diameters. That needs drive / leg disconnected to fit.

 

[bubblehead]

Sorry should have specified, upper drive UJ bellow I’m talking about. Happy with the exhaust.

 

[stelican]

You need to check this out to confirm but I seem to remember that there is a spiral wire former in the convoluted section of the drive bellows that needs orientation.

 

[Momac]

My question is, if it isn’t in the correct orientation (will be checking tomorrow), does it matter, does it need to be changed?

Yes it does seem to be important . Take a look at the removed bellows and you will see for yourself.

 

[simonfraser]

even a small amount of water ingress will corrode your UJ gear, worth doing properly

 

[Refueler]

even a small amount of water ingress will corrode your UJ gear, worth doing properly

Just wondering where the water would get into the 'drive bellows' ... once fitted - its effectively a sealed tube.

Its only the exhaust bellows that has water in.

I assume that the 90 drive OP has - the drive bellows is similar to mine where the two ends are different diameter ?? So difficult to get wrong. As to the wire wound part - both bellows if I recall have this .. its there to maintain roundness when drive tilted ..

 

[simonfraser]

' its effectively a sealed tube '

sure as long as fitted correctly ....

 

[Refueler]

' its effectively a sealed tube '

sure as long as fitted correctly ....

"I assume that the 90 drive OP has - the drive bellows is similar to mine where the two ends are different diameter ?? "

 

[simonfraser]

obviously can not be fitted back to front

poster is asking upside down, that is the Q does it matter, if it leaks ...

 

[Refueler]

obviously can not be fitted back to front

poster is asking upside down, that is the Q does it matter, if it leaks ...

I have to check out if any differences to my 70 ... but if not - then the drive bellows has no TOP or BOTTOM .. its only the Exhaust bellows that has due to the small drain hole to let out water when boat not used.

EDIT : See next post - it does have TOP !!

 

[Refueler]

OK ... seems it does have a TOP ....

As to how important it is ?? I have my doubts - but VP seem to think it is.

 

[Momac]

Take a good look at the bellows and it's clear the design is asymetical and is intended to be fitted with part marked "top" at the top. This is clear from the instructions which come with the bellows kit. I would have thought not obeying the instructoons risks the bellows popping off or could risk the UJ coming into contact with the bellows depending on the trim position of the leg.