70981A3 3-Inch Upper Exhaust Bellows for MerCruiser Sterndrives
70981A3 3-Inch Upper Exhaust Bellows for MerCruiser Sterndrives is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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70981A3 3-Inch Upper Exhaust Bellows for MerCruiser Sterndrives
70981A3 3-Inch Upper Exhaust Bellows for MerCruiser Sterndrives is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
SERDAMARINE / MARINE EXHAUST PARTS
Upper Exhaust Bellows (3-Inch Upper Version for MerCruiser Exhaust Arrangements)
This upper 3-inch exhaust bellows, referenced to Mercury 70981A3, serves MerCruiser sterndrive exhaust connections using a 3-inch center-mounted riser to a 4-inch elbow or a rear-mounted riser to a 4-inch Y-pipe. Applications cover specified MerCruiser models including 470/485, 898, 228, 250, 260, 280, 330, Ford 233, V8 (1971–1982), and V6 & V8 installations when matched to these riser, elbow, and Y-pipe arrangements.
Configuration & Specifications
| Component Position & Version | Upper 3-inch exhaust bellows (distinct from the upper 4-inch version and lower 3-inch exhaust tube) |
|---|---|
| Supported Exhaust Arrangements | 3" (3-inch) center-mounted riser to 4" (4-inch) elbow; or rear-mounted riser to 4" (4-inch) Y-pipe |
Engine Applications
Select this upper exhaust bellows by matching the actual riser, elbow, and Y-pipe arrangement rather than relying on engine family alone. On old-style Model 120/140 applications, check whether the exhaust elbow is a one-piece or two-piece design before selecting the connection part.
- MerCruiser Stern Drive Models 470/485, 898, 228, 250, 260, 280, 330 and Ford 233 — Upper exhaust bellows application for matching exhaust connections (3-inch center-mounted riser to 4-inch elbow, or rear-mounted riser to 4-inch Y-pipe). Fits when specified
- MerCruiser Stern Drive V8 (1971–1982), V6 & V8 — Applicable when equipped with a 3" center-mounted riser to a 4" elbow, or a rear-mounted riser to a 4" Y-pipe. Fits when specified
Application Check Required
- Old-Style Model 120/140 Application — Check whether the exhaust elbow is one-piece or two-piece and verify the connection position and part reference. Confirm application
Additional model-specific applications
- MerCruiser 175-205, V6; GM 229/262 CID; wet-joint exhaust; upper 3-inch bellows for GLM 51110 exhaust elbow, OEM 98504A3.
Reference Numbers
These numbers serve as identification references only and do not by themselves establish universal interchangeability or manufacturer identity. Compare the reference number and connection position carefully, as alternate exhaust connection sizes and positions are listed below for comparison.
| OEM Reference (Upper 3-Inch Version) | Mercury / Mercury Mariner: 70981A3, 70981A 3, 70981 |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket References (Upper 3-Inch Version) | GLM: 89070; Sierra / Sierra Marine: 18-2762; OBR / OBR Red Rhino: MR-508; Mallory / Mallory Marine: 9-72808; RECMAR: REC70981A3 |
| Different Configuration Comparison (Not This Part) |
Upper 4-inch version: Mercury / Mercury Mariner / MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive 32-44348001, GLM 89120 Lower 3-inch exhaust tube: Mercury / Mercury Mariner / MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive 32-90949T, GLM 89090 |
| Additional Listed Reference Numbers |
Mercury Mariner / MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive: 32-4434001 GLM: 01080, 01100 Unassigned brand references: 70981B3, 872531, 54-815504372 |
Supplied Parts
- Upper Exhaust Bellows
Service & Installation Notes
General service guidance only. Use the service manual for your exact engine and exhaust configuration.
- Allow the engine and exhaust components to cool completely, shut off the engine, and disconnect the battery or disable the ignition to prevent accidental starting during work.
- Verify the existing exhaust layout—specifically checking whether your setup uses a 3-inch center-mounted riser to a 4-inch elbow or a rear-mounted riser to a 4-inch Y-pipe, and confirming that the upper 3-inch bellows is at the service position.
- Inspect the mating necks on the riser, elbow, or Y-pipe before fitting the replacement bellows, keeping the clamping and sealing surfaces clean and undamaged.
- Seat and secure the bellows according to the OEM service manual for your exact sterndrive exhaust arrangement; if any abnormal exhaust odor or leakage occurs during subsequent operation, stop the engine immediately and inspect the connection.
Questions Before Replacement
How does this upper bellows differ from Mercury 32-44348001 and 32-90949T?
This part (referenced to Mercury 70981A3 / GLM 89070) is the upper 3-inch exhaust bellows for a 3-inch center-mounted riser to a 4-inch elbow or a rear-mounted riser to a 4-inch Y-pipe. Mercury 32-44348001 (GLM 89120) identifies a separate upper 4-inch version, while Mercury 32-90949T (GLM 89090) identifies a separate lower 3-inch exhaust tube.
What needs to be checked on an old-style MerCruiser Model 120/140?
On the old-style Model 120/140 application, inspect whether the exhaust elbow is a one-piece or two-piece design and match the exact connection position to the part reference.
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