Engine aligning

[Bondo]

Re: Engine aligning

Also, can you simply use a shaft that was removed off a spare outdrive?

Nope..... Not even Close....

 

[180shabah]

Re: Engine aligning

Also, can you simply use a shaft that was removed off a spare outdrive?

Nope, there is no way to "read" the grease when using an old input shaft. You need to get/make/buy a real allignment bar.

Lotsa people talk about "I've had this boat for 5-10-15-...years and never aligned the engine" For some this method works, for others it will get expensive - quickly. Checking the alignment annually will allow you to catch any shift in engine mounting before it destroys the coupler. Also, if the alignment does change, you need to identify the cause(loose mount, soft stringer, distorted hull...) and correct it before re-aligning the engine.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Engine aligning

I bought one from EBAY. and it was bent slightly.

So I made one using a friends lathe and the dimensions Don provided.

It took me about an hour on the lathe, $20 for the 1.375" bar stock, and 2 bottles of beer.


Yes they're the same. OMC/Merc/etc

DO NOT skimp on alignment......... when you ruin the aluminum splines in a coupler, you have to remove the drive(s) & engine(s) to replace them.



Regards,


Rick

Are these really the same for OMC and Mercury? From the eBay adds, it sounds like it.

Navis, you may want to take a look at the ones on eBay just to see the handle. They look pretty long, maybe 18-20 inches overall?

Also, can you simply use a shaft that was removed off a spare outdrive?

Thanks,

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Engine aligning

Any problems with making the alignment bar out of aluminum?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine aligning

Any problems with making the alignment bar out of aluminum?

Ayuh,...
For just checking the alignment,..??
It would be Fine....

If you were installing a gimble bearing in a beat saltwater boat,...
You'd appreciate the heft,+ strength of a Steel bar....

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Engine aligning

I wish my boat saw seawater -- just a lake boater here who removed his drive for the first time. I was planning on buying one on ebay this winter to check the alignment before re-installing, but have a good fried that can make one for me. I will pay with good beer.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Engine aligning

I will pay with good beer.

Sounds like a good deal for all

 

[Steven K]

Re: Engine aligning

Are there any signs of an engine needing alignment? It has been several years since it has been done on my boat. This year it developed a noise that I thought might be the gimbal bearing, but now I am curious.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine aligning

Are there any signs of an engine needing alignment?

Ayuh,....

You're experiencing 1 of them....

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Engine aligning

They went back to steel. They were not happy with the tolerances they were getting with aluminum due to the length -- too much flex.

 

[alumi numb]

Re: Engine aligning

does the year of the boat make a difference?
mine is a 1970 starcraft islander 120.

 

[navis]

Re: Engine aligning

started it today

 

[alumi numb]

Re: Engine aligning

again!
does the year of the boat make a difference?
mine is a 1970 starcraft islander.
thank you.

 

[navis]

Re: Engine aligning

make a difference as to what?

 

[Steven K]

Re: Engine aligning

Ayuh,....

You're experiencing 1 of them....

So I guess I need to check the alighnment. What should I plan on replacing?

 

[alumi numb]

Re: Engine aligning

make a difference as to what?

alignment tool required.
will the alignment tool we are talking about here work on my setup or do i need a different alignment tool and if so what.
1970 starcraft 22' islander 120 mercruiser.
i as some others are new to this so i will be asking some very basic questions one at a time.

originally bought the boat/trailer for $350.
had planned on scrapping the boat and more or less end up with a free trailer.
then i noticed the hull was perfect and kind of fell for the boat.
could use a paint job but not that bad.
have already replaced all of the wood inside including the cabin wall.
could see corrosion no place at all.
cabin wall is oak ply as the dog house will be.
intentionally strayed off to create a brain image, pic's later.
thank you.

 

[navis]

Re: Engine aligning

So I guess I need to check the alighnment. What should I plan on replacing?

hopefully nothing, check the gimbal bearings if they are making noises, depending on outdrive they can be found for around $40 each. You will most likly have either one or two bearings.
Probly also a good idea to get new gaskets and seals for the gimbal while you have it off as well...

 

[navis]

Re: Engine aligning

alignment tool required.
will the alignment tool we are talking about here work on my setup or do i need a different alignment tool and if so what.
1970 starcraft 22' islander 120 mercruiser.
i as some others are new to this so i will be asking some very basic questions one at a time.

originally bought the boat/trailer for $350.
had planned on scrapping the boat and more or less end up with a free trailer.
then i noticed the hull was perfect and kind of fell for the boat.
could use a paint job but not that bad.
have already replaced all of the wood inside including the cabin wall.
could see corrosion no place at all.
cabin wall is oak ply as the dog house will be.
intentionally strayed off to create a brain image, pic's later.
thank you.

yeah, bought our boat with plans to make a quick turn around but fell in love with it as well. I would like to see some pics.
Don't quote me on this but I believe that that tool should mate properly with most everything, I would double check on that though, hopefully Don or someone will post and let you know.
Are you planning on making the bar yourself or buying it?

 

[asdasc]

Re: Engine aligning

What does the gimbal bearing do? I have the service manuel and it tells me how to remove it, lube it, replace it, but not what it does.

I was thinking it held the sterndrive so that you could steer it left or right. Is that correct?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine aligning

I was thinking it held the sterndrive so that you could steer it left or right. Is that correct?

Ayuh,.... Sorta...

It aligns the outdrive's input shaft with the motor's coupler, while the outdrive is turning,+/ trimming....