Engine alignment Q...

[mattinthebox]

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Long time lurker here finally faced with some concerns that I couldn't resolve by searching the forums.

I have recently acquired a 1972 sea ray srv 220 with a ford 302 (mercruiser 188hp - 3384250) and a MR1.

According to the previous owner it runs great and he had it out last season.
I don't believe him because the registration tags expired in 2014 and it's got alot of issues for something claimed to have "just been used."

I like the boat and don't scare easy so I'm prepared for a project of great proportions.
With that said here's my first concern.

Once I removed the engine cover and seats beside the engine, I noticed the engine appears to be leaning forward.
I don't have any examples to go off of so I don't know if it really is or isn't. Is there a way to check with a level or plumb bob?

Is there anyone with experience that can tell me if this is a bad thing or am I just seeing an optical illusion?

I'm aware the gimble would more than likely make noise if it was badly pitched but other issues along with it not currently running make it unable to test that theory and have me thinking that something is seriously wrong. Is it just me or is this tilted too far forward?


Also, I've been looking everywhere for a service manual to look into this prob but all the links are dead and go to mercs page of manual sales.

I am poor and can't afford one. Is there anyone willing to share? Sharing is caring...
That would help straighten out where all the cut wires go, which are everywhere.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[GA_Boater]

I think this is your manual - Mercruiser #1 at http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/ma...uiser1.html#/4

 

[mattinthebox]

Thanks GA for your speedy reply.
I was looking at those last night but wasn't sure because nowhere do they refer to this engine a 302, 5.0l or even ford, it confused me.
Is the engine in this 72 sea ray supposed to be identified as the MCM 888?

 

[kenny nunez]

Take a hammer and pound on the stringers where the motor mounts are located. It should not sound hollow.
888 is the correct name for your engine. It has a 351 cam and heads with the 351 firing order.
Of course the only way to check the alinment is with the drive removed with the alinment tool.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you bought a 46 year old boat with an obsolete motor and drive......the manual is the cheapest thing you will be buying. your boat had a design life of about 15 years when it was built.

based on your description of the motor leaning forward, I would say its a safe bet the stringers and transom along with the motor mounts are rotten.

 

[Bondo]

Is there a way to check with a level or plumb bob?

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... The ONLY way to check it, is the pull the drive, 'n use an alignment bar through the gimbel bearin',.....

 

[achris]

....
I am poor ...

Most people start out rich, then buy a boat, which makes them poor. I guess you've cut out the middle step.

In all seriousness, boat ownership requires ongoing expenditure. And as already stated, the service manual will be the cheapest thing you'll buy. It'll also be the thing, if used correctly, that will save you the most money.

And it's not just the engine that needs maintaining. The trailer is just as important. I've just been through the process of replacing my trailer springs. That cost me over $350. And I did all the work myself.

PM me your email address, I have links that you might find useful.

Chris. ....