Always Align engine when reinstalling SternDrive?

[dfwyatt]

I have a 1989 Sea Ray with 4.3L Mercruiser, Alpha One. I took the stern drive off for the winter and am keeping it in my basement. <br /><br />This is the first time i have taken it off and it was pretty easy. When i go to put it back on.. Do i need to align the engine with the tool? What are the circumstances (if any) I would not need to align the drive?<br /><br />I also have a fair amount of slop in my steering ( i can move the drive without the wheel moving). Is there something I should look at with the drive off? Ive moved the drive and looked behind the engine at the steering ram, nothing up there seems to move while I wiggle the drive.<br /><br />Thanks guys.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Always Align engine when reinstalling SternDrive?

No, you don't have to align the motor. You would normally only have to if you pulled the motor out.

 

[trog100]

Re: Always Align engine when reinstalling SternDrive?

i pulled my engine to replace a drive coupler recently and surprizingly it all went back in without needing re-alignment.. i did leave the entire front mount in place on the engine and never touched the adjustment bolt..<br /><br />i was gonna do the obvious and undo the centre adjustment bolt.. it was the marina owner that said leave it alone and unbolt the entire bracket.. seems he was correct.. he he..<br /><br />mind u unless u do use the aligning tool u dont know if the drive is lined up okay.. its something that should be checked very so often.. so is regreasing the splines where they go in the coupling.. which of course is why my coupling failed no doubt.. the previous owner hadnt.. <br /><br />trog

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Always Align engine when reinstalling SternDrive?

It is good practice to check it. Even on a new boat ....Usually nothing needs to be adjusted, but it will help to do it, (30 seconds spent) just to make sure that all is well....The steering slop.....Check the two bolts on top of the outside of the transom assy....Torque them to 25 #'s.....That is what connects the gimbal ring/bell housing to the steering arm..... Part of yearly maintenence.... ....JK

 

[trog100]

Re: Always Align engine when reinstalling SternDrive?

the problem with the 30 seconds spent check is that most folks dont have the tool.. i know i dont.. i had to grease my marina mechanics palm to get my hands on one for that thirty second check.. he he.<br /><br />any slop in my steering is caused by slight wear in the pin that connects the drive arm to the steering linkage inside the boat.. very slight wear there translates to a couple of inches at the wheel.. shame its not a ball and socket arrangement instead of a crappy shackle and pin..<br /><br />trog

 

[Bondo]

Re: Always Align engine when reinstalling SternDrive?

shame its not a ball and socket arrangement instead of a crappy shackle and pin..<br />

You're looking at the Wrong end of the Tiller Arm Trog,..........<br /><br />The end that the Cable Connects to Rarely Wears,........<br />It's the Other End,.......<br />The Square Hole with the Square Pin that connects the Gimbel Ring that Wears.........<br />It was an Even Worse Issue,.. Before they went to the Square Pin........<br /><br />Medoc is Absolutely Right,.......<br />The 2 small bolts at the Top of the Gimbel Ring, provide Tension on the Square Hole, around the Square Pin..........<br />But,....... If tightening to 25ft.lbs. Doesn't tighten it Up,......<br />You'll have to Dig Much Deeper to Fix it.........

 

[dfwyatt]

Re: Always Align engine when reinstalling SternDrive?

Thanks everyone! Now to print this off for next May!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Always Align engine when reinstalling SternDrive?

Originally posted by Dan Wyatt:<br /> Thanks everyone! Now to print this off for next May!

No need to Waste the Paper Dan,.............<br /><br />Either Bookmark this Thread,.........<br />Or,....... Better Yet,............<br /><br />Keep hanging around here at iboats,+ You Too can be an Expert in Boat Maintenance by Next May......................

 

[trog100]

Re: Always Align engine when reinstalling SternDrive?

i will have a look at the other (square pin) end bondo.. something else to go wrong and to keep an eye on.. he he he..<br /><br />trog

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Always Align engine when reinstalling SternDrive?

Bought myself an alignment tool for about $70 off ebay. If/when I don't need it anymore, I'll sell it for about $70 on ebay.<br /><br />Given that you have a 16+ year old boat, I would want to check engine alignment before reinstalling that drive. It can help identify hidden engine mount failure, structural decay, loose hardware, etc. Dirt-cheap insurance, and incredibly easy.