Engine coupler

[RichRab]

2002 merc 5.0 mpi 260 hp. Sea Ray. Had a new engine coupler installed less than 2 years ago and I remember the Merc. mechanic saying how important it is to line the engine up. I have less than 100 hours on the coupler and yesterday it went again. Dealer that did the work is checking it out.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Engine coupler

That is correct that part of the annual maintenance is removing the drive and checking the engine alignment.

Have to assume that when they first replaced the coupler they also aligned the engine so was there any alignment check between that install and now?

I would see what they report back they found and what the fix is going to be.

Mark

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Engine coupler

Another failure could be caused from rotted front mounts allowing the engine to "torque over", or rear mount failure or failure to secure the rear mounting bolts allowing motor to torque over.Were the rear mounts replaced at the time of the original failure

 

[muc]

Re: Engine coupler

The important question to ask is, did the splines fail or did the rubber hub fail?

 

[RichRab]

Re: Engine coupler

I did not pull the drive this year and I am confident the mounts were checked when the job was done. I smelled rubber so I am sure it is the coupler and it should be checked today. I will let you know. RR

 

[RichRab]

Re: Engine coupler

When we changed spark plugs about a month ago a mechanic said the exhaust manifold gasket was leaking and he put a new gasket in. I was told possibly salt water hitting engine mount caused it to drop and that is why coupler went. Hopefully will be done today and shop took pictures for me to see. I will update.

 

[broncojeff78]

Re: Engine coupler

Can you or the mechanic verify that it was aligned properly after the first replacement? If they didn't align it properly or felt it was good enough, maybe this repair is on them?

 

[RichRab]

Re: Engine coupler

This cannot be verified now but I like the way you think. If this happens I will get your address and mail you money to buy a.beer. Unfortunately I don't think it will happen. Thank you, RR

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Engine coupler

the core of the mount is bonded to the shell with rubber,its pressed into the rear housing .Installed with the correct setup it sets the alignment . water has no effect on it. When rear mounts fail the motor either "squats down or torques over" greaty reducing coupler life.
Failure is caused by the core slipping in the rubber .

 

[ba5e]

Re: Engine coupler

Have you noticed any abnormal vibrations in the boat at certain rev ranges?

 

[RichRab]

Re: Engine coupler

Repair is complete. The rear mounts were bad and my question is wasn't this noticed 2 yrs ago when the coupler was changed? I guess not. Hopefully there is a way that I can check mounts from time to time. I never felt any vibration. Thank you, RR

 

[84EdH]

Re: Engine coupler

you cant really check the mounts with the engine sitting on top of them. that is part of the reason it is recco. to pull the drive at the end of the year and check alignment. if the mounts sink over time, the alignment will be off. that being said, I have mounts that are 20 years old and still work like new. (fresh water). glad you got your job done!