Drive Alignment Tool Use????

thompsdw

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I am gearing up to do a transom job (gimbel, u-joints, etc.) and am confused as to when I would need to have the engine alignment tool. I would assume that I need it anytime I shift the engine or bell housing mounted to the boat transom, right?<br /><br />I guess you could also use it to check the gimbel alignment after you slide hammer it out. BTW, what is used to press the gimbel back into place?
 

Bondo

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Re: Drive Alignment Tool Use????

The Alignment Tool is used to Align the Gimbal Bearing To the Coupler.....<br />You'll need it as soon as the Gimbal Bearing is Seated..... The Bearing is Driven In with a Hammer,+ Bar... Very Carefully.....<br />Once Seated, the Alignment Tool is used to Straighten the Bearing... Then Align It To the Coupler.....
 

1965MT

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Re: Drive Alignment Tool Use????

Are there any written directions on how to do this? It seems fairly simple.
 

thompsdw

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Re: Drive Alignment Tool Use????

Bondo,<br /><br />Do you mean that you use a bar and slowly tap the outer race of the bearing around the circumference to seat it?
 

Bondo

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Re: Drive Alignment Tool Use????

Yes.....<br />But, Not the Alignment Tool....<br />Use a long Soft Bar..... Brass or Aluminum, if you can lay your hands on 1....<br />A Stout Hardwood Dowel would Also work....
 

thompsdw

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Re: Drive Alignment Tool Use????

I still don't really understand why the changing of the gimbel would require alignment if the position of the housing or motor didn't change. Is this just a check?????
 

Bondo

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Re: Drive Alignment Tool Use????

Well, The Mechanic in me says,<br />If you're trying to Align 2 pieces(Gimbal Bearing, Coupler), And you Move 1 of them(Gimbal Bearing), You Really Need to do the Alignment Again.......<br /><br />You're making as much cense as the guys who say,<br />"Well, the motor is Setting Exactly where is was when I took it Out"... "I Didn't move the adjusting Bolts"...<br /><br />It only takes a couple of Thousandths to make or Break the Alignment proscess......<br /><br />You can do it Half-A$$ed , Or Do It Right .....<br />The Choice Is Yours.....
 

TwoBallScrewBall

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Re: Drive Alignment Tool Use????

It's possible that the bearing ends up seated slightly crooked when you finish installing it even if it looks perfect. This will cause the shaft to enter the coupler at a slight angle (though still fit) and introduce a lateral load on the bearing, which over time will wear the bearing and cause a failure. Using the alignment tool or an old shaft to ensure that the bearing is square to the coupler ensures that the bearing is only supporting the load it was degined for. It's cheap insurance, do it!!!
 

tylerin

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Re: Drive Alignment Tool Use????

It's possible that over time the motor was thrown slightly out of alignment, causing the gimbal to go bad
 

paragod

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Nov 23, 2003
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Re: Drive Alignment Tool Use????

Just one more thing you probably got it but be sure the break in the collar around the race sits over were the zirt is so yr bearing gets grease when you hit the zirt with the grease gun
 

thompsdw

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Re: Drive Alignment Tool Use????

No need to be nasty Bondo. I am just trying to understand so that I can do it right....
 
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