Sterndrive bellows vulnerability

[CDK]

If the boots are there for no reason at all, please show me a construction drawing.

[Rik]

Originally Posted by CDK

If the boots are there for no reason at all, please show me a construction drawing.

Please show me yours!

The are there for a reason, to keep marine growth off the ball. Nothing more.

Do you really think I am wrong? One can run the drives with no boots on them, happens all the time.

[powerabout]

On a Mercruiser if you wanted to ( with the engine removed) you could tap the hole on the inside of the transom plate and install a barbed fitting and hose in the vent hole ( mentioned above) and run it above the water line.

The bellows extends when tilted so the air must get in.
On a Volve its semi sealed so when tilted it pulls a vacuum..nice.....NOT

[CDK]

Originally Posted by Rik

Do you really think I am wrong?

I don't recall writing that, but now that you mentioned it.....

[powerabout]

ahhh
the Bravo conversion

[Rik]

Originally Posted by CDK

I don't recall writing that, but now that you mentioned it.....

Ok, you are right. I know nothing about the Arneson Surface Drives.

I apologize for my ignorance in this matter and I stand corrected. However, I must ask, if the boot's purpose is to seal water out of the drive unit under your premise, it must therefore seal oil in. Logically speaking it would have to serve a dual purpose under your claim. Therefore, I can deduce that if the boots were not present the Arneson Surface Drives would leak their lubricating oil out of them (in a matter of time of course) and damage the units both from water intrusion and the lack of oil lubrication.

Am I following you?

[Rik]

Originally Posted by powerabout

ahhh
the Bravo conversion

Yes, I include the boots on the Bravo Conversions as the boats go into the salt water and there is marine life that can attach themselves to the articulating ball socket and the boot keeps this from happening. That and they make the drive look better.

Am I correct Mr. CDK?

[CDK]

Originally Posted by Rik

Yes, I include the boots on the Bravo Conversions as the boats go into the salt water and there is marine life that can attach themselves to the articulating ball socket and the boot keeps this from happening. That and they make the drive look better.

Am I correct Mr. CDK?

Theoretically, just an O-ring or cup could keep the water out. But in a harsh environment relying on just one barrier isn't good engineering practice.
It would be stupid not to take advantage of the two cylindrical surfaces and put a rubber boot around them.
Arneson Industries are professionals with a good engineering reputation, so they added the $10 boot and two clamps to provide additional protection.

[powerabout]

What type of cv joint is inside the socket and how is that sealed from the sea water?

[Rik]

Originally Posted by CDK

Theoretically, just an O-ring or cup could keep the water out. But in a harsh environment relying on just one barrier isn't good engineering practice.
It would be stupid not to take advantage of the two cylindrical surfaces and put a rubber boot around them.
Arneson Industries are professionals with a good engineering reputation, so they added the $10 boot and two clamps to provide additional protection.

CDK, believe me PLEASE, the boot has ZERO to do with sealing the drive from water intrusion. There is as you stated an o-ring combination in the drive that keeps the oil in and the water out. The boots are often times run with tears, rips, cuts, etc. that allow their area to fill with water and this has no affect on the intrusion of water nor the extrusion of oil.

I build these things all week long, I use them, I service them etc., the boots are only for barnacle protection.

[Rik]

Originally Posted by powerabout

What type of cv joint is inside the socket and how is that sealed from the sea water?

An o-ring system is used to seal the drive assembly. We use a cardon joint inside the drives.

[scotch&water]

Hi to the experts, I have a Bravo II and last year the shift boot was leaking a so anny more suggestions out there, I am interested. The Brave conversion looks interesting but my pocket is flat.