I assume I need an engine alignment, vibration when drive is engaged

[crazy charlie]

1988 Regal commodore with twin 5.0LX rwc alpha drives. I needed to have an engine replaced last year.Found a 2003 5.0 Vortec and the marina that had it also did the install.Unfortunately the marina was not local and it was done in Feb so couldn't reply check it out till May.There is pretty strong vibration when the drive is engaged so I am assuming they didn't align the new engine.I don't think its something I can handle myself so my question is ,Can I have this done in the off season without running the boat??? I would like to try to get a mobile guy do this now but I still need the motor winterized for another 60 days or so.Thanks Charlie

 

[pursuit2460]

I am new to I/O on boats but not to engines. Any vibration is bad, period. I would have it repaired before you use the boat. Vibrations could lead to other more expensive issues.

 

[alldodge]

If there is "no" vibration when the motor is running and only vibration when in gear, then its most likely in the lower section or the prop. Start with the prop to see if it was installed correctly and is tight.

 

[Scott06]

On an alpha drive the driveshaft and shafts in drive are turning with exception of prop shaft when engine is running.

Would start with prop to see if it is rubbing and installed correctly. Run dive with out prop on it to see if it vibrates with out prop

Possible other things are going on. It would be standard procedure after swapping out motor to align and do water test….

To answer your original question yes with an alignment tool this is easy check . Tool is not expensive and there are plenty of you tube videos on it

 

[racerone]

Did motor come with warranty ?-----I would start with a compression test.----Post the numbers here.----Are all plug wires on correct cylinder ?

 

[Scott Danforth]

check the props

also, check to see if you have a dead cylinder. a motor with a dead cylinder will idle fine, however have a bit of vibration under load.

 

[crazy charlie]

Thanks guys, motor /compression checked out perfectly prior to purchase.
Prop and drive are fine.Vibration begins at idle speed as soon as drive is engaged.Never had any vibration prior to engine install.Boat couldn't be water tested after install because it was done in Feb in NY. I will take a look at YouTube vids if its as easy as stated.Charlie

 

[flashback]

Check the motor mounts they may have not been tightened up at install..

 

[Scott Danforth]

Could have a cylinder with good compression and its not firing

Especially if you have a crab cap

 

[crazy charlie]

Check the motor mounts they may have not been tightened up at install..

Gonna check that for sure.Never thought of that.Thanks

 

[alldodge]

Prop and drive are fine.Vibration begins at idle speed as soon as drive is engaged

As mentioned in post 3, 4 and 6
It starts when placed in gear, meaning once prop starts turning

 

[nola mike]

Don't know if your drives are CR, but swapping them would take them out of the equation.

 

[Scott06]

Thanks guys, motor /compression checked out perfectly prior to purchase.
Prop and drive are fine.Vibration begins at idle speed as soon as drive is engaged.Never had any vibration prior to engine install.Boat couldn't be water tested after install because it was done in Feb in NY. I will take a look at YouTube vids if its as easy as stated.Charlie

So this is happening on land then ? One thought is maybe gimbal or u joint has rusted during lay up but would think these would be the same neutral and in gear. Wondering if they forgot the thrust washer on prop

I know you said prop is fine but real easy to check drive with prop removed

With no load on land only things that jump out are prop rubbing against housing or bearing rusted if water was in drive oil ..


I would engage the dealer who did the motor swap just so they know u have an issue and if you take anything apart they are aware of it should it be something more intensive

 

[tank1949]

1988 Regal commodore with twin 5.0LX rwc alpha drives. I needed to have an engine replaced last year.Found a 2003 5.0 Vortec and the marina that had it also did the install.Unfortunately the marina was not local and it was done in Feb so couldn't reply check it out till May.There is pretty strong vibration when the drive is engaged so I am assuming they didn't align the new engine.I don't think its something I can handle myself so my question is ,Can I have this done in the off season without running the boat??? I would like to try to get a mobile guy do this now but I still need the motor winterized for another 60 days or so.Thanks Charlie

A number of headaches may await you. Pulling drive and manually inspecting bearings and u-joints is a must. But, that's an old boat and may have ROT in transom or stringers which will cause motor to shake when under a load. MC's engine mounts are strong. Closely examine motor while someone else puts it in gear and while it is the water. If motor shakes, you may have glass work to do. I had to!!!

 

[crazy charlie]

Thanks again guys.I think I will buy an alignment rod and at least take a look for myself.I have pulled and serviced my drive and ujoints ,prop, thrust washer etc since the motor change so I have counted that out for now.Guess I should also take a close look at everything while its idling and while in gear as suggested.Thanks again guys.Is the typical Alpha $50 tool good enough??

 

[Scott06]

Thanks again guys.I think I will buy an alignment rod and at least take a look for myself.I have pulled and serviced my drive and ujoints ,prop, thrust washer etc since the motor change so I have counted that out for now.Guess I should also take a close look at everything while its idling and while in gear as suggested.Thanks again guys.Is the typical Alpha $50 tool good enough??

I bought mine off eBay I think made by heartland tools was like $30 about 9-10years ago

 

[alldodge]

Both Alpha and Bravo use the same tool

 

[flashback]

I had one last thought, check the prop shaft. It may have been bent if drive was mistreated during engine swap.

 

[crazy charlie]

Prop shaft is a good idea for me to check though I saw nothing obvious when I removed the prop last season..Charlie

 

[crazy charlie]

I bought mine off eBay I think made by heartland tools was like $30 about 9-10years ago

Guess they are cheaper than I assumed...$20 on eBay from what looks to me like a a non china seller.