How important is alignment?

[outboardnut]

Hi All
I'm in the process of putting a whole "new" used sterndrive on my boat. How important is engine alignment. My manual says to check alignment before installing an upper with special tool $*#&$^^*(() that I of course don't have. If I didn't move the motor I don't see why this is neccasary.

 

[Don S]

Re: How important is alignment?

How often do you like to pull the engine out and change a coupler that went bad because the alignment was off. due to a loose motor mount, or defective mounts, or rotten transom.
It's early detection of a problem instead of waiting for expensive things to fail completly.

You decide how important it is.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: How important is alignment?

VERY IMPORTANT For the price of the alignment tool (around $50.00) why jepordize a $300.00 dollar coupler??

 

[CharlesW]

Re: How important is alignment?

FWIW, You can find several alignment tools on ebay right now.

http://search-desc.ebay.com/?fcid=1...l&sacat=-1&saslop=1&fss=0&sadis=200&save=Save

 

[180shabah]

Re: How important is alignment?

It's alot more important than you manual lead you to believe.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: How important is alignment?

It's almost as important as checking the oil.

The coupler on my 1966 150 Mercruiser lasted 38 years because the alignment was checked/adjusted frequently. You can destroy one in less than a season if the alignment is out.


Spend the $40-60 for one. You use it every time you R&R the drive!


Cheers,


Rick

Hi All
I'm in the process of putting a whole "new" used sterndrive on my boat. How important is engine alignment. My manual says to check alignment before installing an upper with special tool $*#&$^^*(() that I of course don't have. If I didn't move the motor I don't see why this is neccasary.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: How important is alignment?

one of the dealers here will rent you one for 20 dollars a day plus deposit. You can also use a used driveshaft to check the alignment.

 

[outboardnut]

Re: How important is alignment?

Check the alignment it is! Thanks for all the responces.
I have a used driveshaft. I put it in the lower yesterday but it seemed like it was going to be to far down in there to "check" with any of my tools. I'll see what I c an get figured out today.

 

[Don S]

Re: How important is alignment?

The splined yokes (probably what you are calling a drive shaft) does fit very close to the gimbal bearing. The 2 oring grooves are both inside the gimbal bearing.
Make sure your testing shaft isn't all worn out.

 

[outboardnut]

Re: How important is alignment?

Ought O!

I went over the text in my Clymer manual and it says to "take engine to Mercruiser dealer for sterndrive alignment. The proceduce is complicated and requires special tools" LOL
I have the orginal dealer setup manual that came with the boat. It says simply that if the driveshaft slides in....it's lined up.
I have a feeling there is more to it than this?