How to rotate engine - for aligning drive (Volvo 5.7)

[security6]

Engine is a 1999 Volvo 5.7 PEFS with a SX Cobra outdrive. I pulled the drive on my boat to replace the bellows and replace the u-joints. Having read here on iboats the importance of aligning the engine with the gimbal housing, I got them aligned. I was able to get it aligned so that I could push the alignment bar in and out using only my pinkie finger. However, I remember reading that the engine should be rotated (90, 180, and 270) and the alignment checked at each rotation. Which brings me to my question:

How do you rotate the engine by hand? I don't think I'll be able to rotate it with any accuracy using the starter motor. I looked at the front of the motor, but the raw water pump housing is on the front of the crankshaft, and I didn't see anything that looked solid.

One other question - how do you know which way to rotate the motor? I assume that it is a bad idea to rotate the motor backwards.

Thanks!

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: How to rotate engine - for aligning drive (Volvo 5.7)

No need for that kind of precision, and if its goin in with pinkie finger, you are fine the way you are. Slam the drive on and go boating!

 

[KJSmitty]

Re: How to rotate engine - for aligning drive (Volvo 5.7)

The reason you want to perform the 90 degree checks is to ensure your coupler hasn't got any issues. Now, just because it snugs up a little during your 90 degree checks does not indicate an issue. It's when you rotate 90 or 180 degrees and it wont go in at all that it very well could be indicating a future/current coupler failure situation.

I would recommend the process.

As for turning over the Volvo - you can pull the plugs and turn over by hand just by pulling on the belts, or leave the plugs in and just tap the starter a bit via the ignition key. You don't have to be exactly 90 on each check. The theory is to just check in more than one clock position etc.

Also, no harm in turning the engine over backward during this process.

Cheers