Alignment Issue

[shagtimetim]

OK. I have successfully removed my 4.3 LX and placed on new coupler on the flywheel. Also, I have an alpha gen2 drive. I have using my old yoke as an alignment tool which seems to suffice except, the alignment is perfect with the engine turned at 270 degrees, 0 degrees a little stiff, 90 a little stiffer, and at 180 it is very difficult to get in.
My front mounts were initially up about 1 inch with the old coupler. I now have both bottomed completely out to the point I can no longer bring the front down any lower. My rear mounts have the double springs and the leather washer which all appear in good condition.
My questions: Should I proceed with what I have? Is there something I could do different? The transom seems solid with no give. I know you guys are tired of alignment threads, but this is certainly something I do not want to do again anytime soon.

Thank You!

 

[Don S]

Re: Alignment Issue

If the alignment changes when you rotate the engine, then either the coupler is bad, or it's got something (dirt) under one side where the coupler mates against the flywheel. Pull the coupler back off and check the contact surfaces. If they are clean, get a new coupler.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alignment Issue

I have using my old yoke as an alignment tool which seems to suffice except,
Is there something I could do different?

Ayuh,.... An old input shaft will Not suffice,..
You simply can Not align a drive without the Tool....

It's probably further Out now, than it was when you Started....

 

[shagtimetim]

Re: Alignment Issue

Thanks Don,

This is a new coupler and all areas were clean when I installed. Any other possibilities?

 

[Don S]

Re: Alignment Issue

I replace at least 1 new (and bad) coupler a year. It's not just aftermarket parts, it OEM also.
The splined sleeve in the coupler is mounted in rubber, now how do you think that could go bad, and trust me, the manufacturer of the couplers does not test every part. that doesn't happen on any part from any manufacturer.

 

[shagtimetim]

Re: Alignment Issue

OK. New coupler has been placed. Same results. I even took and rotated the coupler on the flywheel to the opposite set of holes than previous used. I also sanded the flywheel. Seems as if nothing has changed. My gimbal bearing feels great with no evidence of it being dry. Very smooth inner race with smooth rotation.
I'm just baffled!!! What will an alignment tool do for me that my yoke isn't doing? At the end of the day, the yoke still has to go in an easily as the alignment tool. Is that not correct?
Am I missing something? Does my boat have to be level or something? I'm not to the point of getting a sledge hammer, but getting close.