Alpha 1 install issue

[Ffranzwa]

Hi;
I have an '88 Chaparral w/ twin 350's (260) and Alpha 1 drives. I replaced the sea water pumps on both drives and the gimble bearing, U-Joint, and bellows on the portside. The starboard side drive slid right in and came within 1/2" of mating with the bell.
The portside drive feels like it mates w/ the coupler splines but positively stops about 1/2" before the studs on the bell are visible. The new u-joints look like they buckle and kink, giving me the impression that something isn't aligned correctly. I bought an alignment tool and it seems that my alignment is way out because the bar doesn't go in easily. With the shaft inserted as far as it will go (w/out forcing it), it appears to point to the right (not centered in the u-joint cavity) and it looks like I have less grease on the bottom as opposed to the top of the bar. Generaly speaking, how much should I mess w/ the adjustment bolts. For instance, will one full turn on each bolt move the front of the engine a bunch or fractionally? As always, I appreciate all the advice and help this forum provides.
Fred

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Alpha 1 install issue

After replacing the gimbal bearing you need to "set" the bearing before doing your alignment. You put the bar in as far as it will go, then hit the end of the bar sideways - both ways - and up and down. Every 90 degrees in other words. This will set the gimbal bearing in its proper position.

Then you can adjust your alignment.

How much? Doa little at a time and see how it affects things.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Alpha 1 install issue

The portside drive feels like it mates w/ the coupler splines but positively stops about 1/2" before the studs on the bell are visible. The new u-joints look like they buckle and kink, giving me the impression that something isn't aligned correctly. I bought an alignment tool and it seems that my alignment is way out because the bar doesn't go in easily. With the shaft inserted as far as it will go (w/out forcing it), it appears to point to the right (not centered in the u-joint cavity) and it looks like I have less grease on the bottom as opposed to the top of the bar. Generaly speaking, how much should I mess w/ the adjustment bolts. For instance, will one full turn on each bolt move the front of the engine a bunch or fractionally?

You have to make sure the alignment bar is inserted INTO THE COUPLER to start with. Use the alignment bar to turn the gimbal bearing to the correct angle.
So you say the gimbal makes the bar hit the right side of the coupler, pull the bar back just enough to clear the coupler and give it a whack with the heel of your hand on the left side to turn the gimbal to the left. This a feel thing. Once you get the bar so it will slide into the coupler put it in there and hit the bar on the top, bottom, and sides to center the gimbal bearing on the coupler. Then see if it will slide freely in and out. At this point you may want to get a little fussy to make it perfect, I do.
Don't change the motor mount settings til you are sure they are off. Since you changed the gimbal it needs to be set 1st. Then if the engine isn't right start adjusting it. The adjusters can be moved 1/2 or 1 turn at a time to get noticeable height changes. I'd turn each one the same amount to keep things horizontally equal.