Alignment Question

[bill chisholm]

I am working on a 1972 140 MC 1 that I have transplanted from a donor boat to my dory with a a rebuilt transom.

On the new boat I had to build a new front motor mount so this was basically a "new installation".

I borrowed an alignment tool from a local mechanic and got the grease marks on the tool to be perfectly even all the way around, BUT, it did not slip in and out like "butter." When going in the last 3/4" took a little bit of a push and also took a little extra tug to get it started coming out. I didn't need two hands to do either.

Now, I thought I had it so I installed the outdrive, started the motor and adjusted the shift cables, which were new to this motor set up too. This took about 30 mins of idling on the muffs.

Later I began to worry that maybe that alignment job wasn't perfect so the next morning I pulled the drive reinstalled the tool and it NOW goes in/like butter.

My queston......did I install the outdrive when the alignment was not perfect and the idling caused enough damge to the bearing or coupler to "loosen" up enough to now feel perfect with the line up tool?

What do you think I should I check and how?

Thanks in advance for your opinion,

Bill

 

[Don S]

Re: Alignment Question

Could have been nothing more than dirt buildup on the coupler splines. After running it, they cleaned out a bit.
Did you look at the alignment info up in the adults only sticky?

 

[IanFS]

Re: Alignment Question

I agree with Don, possible dirt or old grease, which can feel quite stiff and would account for the last small push in.

 

[bill chisholm]

Re: Alignment Question

Thanks for the reply guys

I definitely have read and studied the adults only section , the manual, and talked to anyone else who could give me any advice on the line up procedure.

I like your answers.

Thanks,

Bill