Alignment: Putting same engine back in

[diew]

Just had a quick question. I have a 85' searay 230. I blew a head gasket on my chevy 350 so i took out the engine to have it rebuilt. My question is, Is there a need to take off the outdrive(alpha 1) to align the engine even though the exact same engine is going back in the boat? <br /><br />thanks..

 

[Don S]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

YES, you must remove the drive if you plan on getting all the parts in place (double lock washer and fiber washers)between the bellhousing and transom shield. How else are you going to check and see if everything is as it should be, and nothing moved?

 

[diew]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

i assumed that nothing moved because the only thing that connects the engine to the outdrive is the spline shaft and that slipped easily off.

 

[MGallik]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

I'm not an expert but the few I've done never want back in exactly as they came out. It doesn't take long to check and adjust the alignment. You can find the alignment tool on Ebay for $25.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

assumed that nothing moved because the only thing that connects the engine to the outdrive is the spline shaft and that slipped easily off.

When you removed the motor, You slid the motor Forward to remove it......<br />When Reinstalling it, it Must set Straight Down onto the rear motor mounts... Not Slid back.. That's what Don is talking about......<br /><br />The other thing is, Engine Alignment is measured in Thousandths of an inch.......<br />Reguardless of wether it's the Same motor or Not, you Still need to Align it.....<br /><br />There are Only 8 nuts between here,+ having the outdrive sitting on the ground.........<br />Do it Right, Pull the Drive, Install the Motor,+ Realign It......<br /><br />You Might Think you're Saving some work,.......<br />What You're Actually Doing is Shooting Yourself in the Foot...................

 

[mercrewser]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

You need to check the alignment at regular intervals anyway. You should do it once a year when the drive is off having the u joints greased. I never did this but I couldnt imagine putting an engine back in without realigning it. Remember to put in an oil drain kit in the oil pan drain plug and give the coupler a good look, while the engine is out. Use new washers on the back mounts. If its out of alignment, you will blow the coupler and it will happen at the worst possible time.

 

[diew]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

thanks for the input. I will take off my drive then. Is the drive easy to take off? when looking at it, it seems like i just have to take off 6 bolts. When taking off the outdrive, do any gaskets break that would need replacement?<br />any other small things i should know about?<br /><br />thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

You "ALWAYS" replace gaskets and oring, they are not a replaceable item, they just look like they are.<br /><br /> Click here for the Mercruiser outdrive service manual and learn how to use it.<br /><br /> Click here for some How To information on your drive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

Along with the 6 you found,<br />There are the 2 nuts holding the outer ends of the tilt rams that come off......Just Loosen the 2 at the front......<br />A Good Shake should break it free... If Not, Pick it Up,+ Drop it once or twice........<br /><br />The unit weighs about 80lbs.....<br />The Gasket Set you need is Part# 18-2618 at your local NAPA, it should cost you between $5,+ $10..... Depends on how well you know Your Parts Guy...........

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

and always remember to put a alpha style merc in fwd gear BEFORE drive removal

 

[RedRangerVIP]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

Is there anything special to pulling the OMC Cobra 4 cyl Outdrive? Like shift position? Sorry for the hijack , but it's kinda related.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

Nope<br /><br />If your gonna work on it, get a manual for it.

 

[diew]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

just curious, why put it in forward gear before removal?

 

[Don S]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

So you don't break things......read the manual, I gave you the link.

 

[rattana]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

There is a shoe on the outdrive that connects to the shift shaft on Mercrusiers. When you put it in forward it allows the outdrive to come off without breaking stuff.

 

[mercrewser]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

You should never do anything without a manual. That includes starting the engine and using the boat.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Alignment: Putting same engine back in

Actually,I think you can reinstall the engine without pulling the drive.The gimbal bearing should swivel enough to be able to slide the engine back,then set down onto the mounts.<br />I have only seen a couple of boats I'd want to try this on though.<br /><br />DHP