Alignment Tool in Seattle

[SeattleMatt]

Anyone have an OMC / Mercruiser alignment tool that I can borrow/rent/purchase in the Seattle area?

Also, if anyone knows a place where I can rent this that would help as well.

Thanks!

 

[buggiedad_67]

Re: Alignment Tool in Seattle

i know this may not be the right way but i did mine useing the outdrive it self, i pushed the drive in until it stoped then raised or lowered the engine until the drive slid in and out nice and smooth,

 

[Don S]

Re: Alignment Tool in Seattle

Why don't you just buy one. ebay has them all the time for 40 to 50 bucks, and it's a tool that should be used at least once a year.

Buggiedad, while that may seem right to you, you may be slowly damaging your coupler. When it goes, you will need to pull the engine to replace that $300 item.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alignment Tool in Seattle

Anyone have an OMC / Mercruiser alignment tool that I can borrow/rent/purchase in the Seattle area?

Also, if anyone knows a place where I can rent this that would help as well.

Thanks!

What area specifically?....

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Alignment Tool in Seattle

Auburn Sports and Marine will rent one to you. I think it was about $20/day etc.

If you need it more than once you will pay for a "new" one.

also, theirs was bent a bit (I don't know know how some one could bend one but when "stuff" is on the rental market people will do a lot of different things with something they don't own.

I just made one on a lathe. That way I know it's the right dimensions and not bent.

Unless you know someone who can loan you one or can make one for you (out of 1.375" round stock) It would be best for you to just buy one.

Regards,


Rick

 

[miles917]

Re: Alignment Tool in Seattle

I just pulled my outdrive, first shop I called let me borrow one with a $110 deposit.

If your in a hurry, thats the way too go, call around. But like Don said, get on ebay and get one for the next time.

 

[SeattleMatt]

Re: Alignment Tool in Seattle

I'm located in North Seattle,

As usual i was trying to get this done in short order so I can get the drive on today so I didn't want to wait another 2 weeks to order one.

I tried to put the drive on for hours and can't get the u-joint past the RUBBER BELLOWS SEAL.

I don't think this is to the point of an alignment problem yet becuase it doesn't even feel like its touched the splines.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Alignment Tool in Seattle

Well,

it is and it might not be.....The gimbal bearing can be "moved" easily. it's sort of on it's own "gimbal" too.

The alignment tool can be used to get the bearing straight and parallel with the coupler.


It's not all that easy to use the yoke to do it although you can...(it's just not recommended)

Any piece of 1.375" round stock will do it. With it in the bearing you "bump" it left/right/up/down as needed to get it (the real alignment tool) the rest of the way into the coupler.

It's possible that you lost your bearing alignment when you pulled the drive.... (just the weight of the drive could move the bearing once you clear the studs)