2002 Merc 4.3 alpha 1 sterndrive.

[halburn]

Hello folks,  I just bought a 2002 Rinker 180 with the Merc 4.3 190 HP.  I was wondering about the hazards of running this boat out of water (meaning not floating on the lake) with muffs.  I have only had one other I/O (1978 Merc Bravo outdrive), and if I ran this boat with muffs out of the water, the bellows would be rotten the next season.  I learned this the hard way.  I have been told this is not the case with the new outdrives.  I have never gotten the same answer twice regarding this issue with the bellows being destoyed after running with muffs.  I think it was the heat of the exhaust or the residue from the burned gas lying on top of the bellows. Not sure.  Never had another problem after I stopped running her out of the water.

Thanks in advance.
Mark

[alswagg]

I think you may have gotten some misinformation.  Running the engine on a set of muffs will not ruin the bellows, either the U Joint , exhaust or shift cable.  Note do not run higher than 1,500 rpms on a flushet hose.  Anyhow, welcome to RBO.  You have a very nice boat,  keep it in good condition and it will reward you with many years of fun.  Al

[halburn]

Hi Al,
Thanks for the info.  I am sure you are correct.  I had the bayliner for several years.  I had replaced the bellows after the first year.  The new one was rotten the following year.  That was the last time I ever ran it out of the water with muffs, and it never went bad again.  I am just assuming it was the heat of exhaust that destroyed the bellows. 

thanks
mark

[bat32]

Yeah but like Al said "idling" it outof the water and "running" it out of the water could have two totally different meanings. Keep it under 1500 and you should be fine.  Welcome aboard!