Motor install shaft line up shimming?

[starsnstripers]

1968-72 155hp gm 250ci l6 pre alpha outdrive. I have a spare outdrive can i take the spline shaft apart at the u-joint and use it as a line up tool to get the motor, mount and belhousing shimmed correctly? it's al apart so i dont know what or where any shims should go especially on the stern mount the front is adjustable. I dont want to cook a gimble or u-joint or outdrive bearing.

 

[Don S]

Re: Motor install shaft line up shimming?

You wouldn't cook any bearing or ujoints, but it would destroy an engine coupler in short order. Then you can pull the engine to replace it.
You really need an alignment bar, a splined shaft will tell you if the alignment is ok, but extreamly hard to use to align one.
There isn't any "Shimming" needed on the rear mounts, but you do need to have all the proper hardware and mounts that are in good condition in there so you can align it.
Do you have Merc service manual #1?
If not, download it at the link below. PS It just over 1 GB in size...... Very large.
http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/sisdata/srvcovr.pdf

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Motor install shaft line up shimming?

Yes i have that manual downloaded but not the tool. hehe, wasnt sure if the tool was just like the outdrive shaft or if it like squares to the gimblehousing to line up the gimble and coupling or something?

 

[Don S]

Re: Motor install shaft line up shimming?

If you are going to do your own work, you need the tools. Especially an alignmnent bar. They go for $40 to $50 on ebay all the time.

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Motor install shaft line up shimming?

Ok, Don thanks trying to save a buck from going into that hole in the water where we boaters throw our money called a "boat" lol thanks Don see ya soon i'm sure