70981A3 Wet-Joint Exhaust Bellows Repair Kit for MerCruiser 3.7L 3" ID
70981A3 Wet-Joint Exhaust Bellows Repair Kit for MerCruiser 3.7L 3" ID is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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70981A3 Wet-Joint Exhaust Bellows Repair Kit for MerCruiser 3.7L 3" ID is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
SERDAMARINE / MARINE EXHAUST PARTS
Wet-Joint Manifold Exhaust Bellows Repair Kit for MerCruiser 3.7L / 224 CID Inline-4 (1980–1989)
This aftermarket manifold exhaust bellows repair kit is designed for servicing the exhaust bellows and elbow-to-manifold gasket connections on specified 1980–1989 MerCruiser 224 CID inline 4-cylinder sterndrive engines with a wet-joint exhaust configuration. It groups component references 70981A3, 32-90949T, and 27-18272, where the lower exhaust tube reference is associated with a 3-inch inside-diameter version rather than a 4-inch tube.
Configuration & Specifications
| Exhaust Joint Configuration | Wet-joint manifold and elbow arrangement |
|---|---|
| Service Connection Area | Manifold exhaust hose/bellows and elbow-to-manifold gasket connections |
| Lower Exhaust Tube Inside Diameter | 3-inch inside-diameter version (associated with the lower exhaust tube reference; not for 4-inch tube configurations) |
| Engine Architecture | Inline 4-cylinder, 224 CID sterndrive |
Engine Applications
This kit fits the MerCruiser inline 4-cylinder 224 CID sterndrive models listed below when equipped with a wet-joint exhaust arrangement. Check the engine model, model year, wet-joint manifold configuration, gasket pattern, and the 3-inch inside-diameter lower exhaust tube requirement against your existing parts before ordering, and do not select a 4-inch tube solely because it looks similar.
- MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive Model 165 — Inline 4, 224 CID, 4-cylinder; Years: 1980–1989; Configuration: Wet-joint exhaust, sterndrive. Fits when specified
- MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive Model 170 — Inline 4, 224 CID, 4-cylinder; Years: 1980–1989; Configuration: Wet-joint exhaust, sterndrive. Fits when specified
- MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive 3.7L — Inline 4, 224 CID, 4-cylinder; Years: 1980–1989; Configuration: Wet-joint exhaust, sterndrive. Fits when specified
- MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive Model 180 — Inline 4, 224 CID, 4-cylinder; Years: 1980–1989; Configuration: Wet-joint exhaust, sterndrive. Fits when specified
- MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive Model 190 — Inline 4, 224 CID, 4-cylinder; Years: 1980–1989; Configuration: Wet-joint exhaust, sterndrive. Fits when specified
- MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive 3.7LX — Inline 4, 224 CID, 4-cylinder; Years: 1980–1989; Configuration: Wet-joint exhaust, sterndrive. Fits when specified
- MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive 470 MCM — Inline 4, 224 CID, 4-cylinder; Years: 1980–1989; Configuration: Wet-joint exhaust, sterndrive. Fits when specified
- MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive Model 485 — Inline 4, 224 CID, 4-cylinder; Years: 1980–1989; Configuration: Wet-joint exhaust, sterndrive. Fits when specified
- MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive Model 488 — Inline 4, 224 CID, 4-cylinder; Years: 1980–1989; Configuration: Wet-joint exhaust, sterndrive. Fits when specified
Reference Numbers
The numbers below are provided as identification references for the individual components associated with this kit and do not by themselves establish manufacturer identity or universal interchangeability. The primary OEM references 70981A3, 32-90949T, and 27-18272 identify distinct component parts rather than three interchangeable numbers for one complete OEM kit.
| Primary Component OEM References | 70981A3, 32-90949T, 27-18272 (Mercury Mariner / MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive) |
|---|---|
| Mercury Mariner Component References | 70981A3, 70981A 3, 70981, 32-90949T, 3290949T, 90949T, 32-90949, 27-18272 |
| MerCruiser Stern / Out Drive Component References | 70981A3, 32-90949T, 27-18272, 27-97863, 18272, 97863 |
| OMC Component Reference | 0508753 |
| Sierra Aftermarket References | 18-2762, 18-2761, 18-0881, 18-0881-1 |
| GLM Aftermarket References | 89070, 89090, GLM32470, 32470 |
| Mallory Aftermarket References | 9-72808, 9-72809, 9-61412 |
| OBR Red Rhino Aftermarket Reference | MR-508 |
| RECMAR Aftermarket References | REC70981A3, REC32-90949T, REC27-18272 |
Supplied Parts
- Wet-joint manifold exhaust bellows repair kit (associated with component references 70981A3, 32-90949T, and 27-18272)
Service & Installation Notes
General service guidance only. Use the service manual for your exact engine and exhaust configuration.
- Shut down the engine, disconnect battery power to prevent accidental starting, and allow the exhaust manifold, elbow, and cooling passages to cool completely before disassembly.
- Support heavy exhaust components during removal and clean all mating surfaces on the wet-joint manifold, elbow, and exhaust tube connections without gouging the sealing faces.
- Compare the replacement bellows, lower exhaust tube (3-inch inside-diameter version), and elbow-to-manifold gasket pattern directly against the removed components to verify proper orientation and passage alignment.
- Assemble the gasket and exhaust bellows connections according to the procedures and fastener specifications in the engine service manual.
- After reassembly, inspect the exhaust and cooling connections under normal operating conditions; if any exhaust or water leakage or abnormal temperature occurs, stop the engine immediately and inspect the joints.
The Serdamarine Approach
Exhaust parts need a configuration match. Serdamarine focuses on marine exhaust manifolds and their related service parts. Application details, connection requirements and public reference numbers are presented together to support part selection.
Questions Before Replacement
Are 70981A3, 32-90949T, and 27-18272 interchangeable part numbers for the complete kit?
No. Those three OEM numbers identify individual components combined within this repair kit—covering the exhaust bellows/tube and elbow-to-manifold gasket positions—rather than three interchangeable numbers for a single factory kit.
Can this kit be used on an application with a 4-inch lower exhaust tube?
No. The lower exhaust tube reference in this kit is associated with a 3-inch inside-diameter version for 1980–1989 MerCruiser 224 CID inline 4-cylinder wet-joint applications, and should not be installed in place of a 4-inch tube even if the exterior shape looks similar.
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