Mercrusier engine alignment --Alpha1 Gen II-

[bluestreak21]

I am having a problem getting the alignment tool to enter the coupler. The first step on the tool is hitting the smooth steel tube that is connected to the coupler. Therefore not allowing me to get the tool into the coupler for a proper fit.

When installing the drive, I am getting the drive shaft ab out 1' in the coupler and then it binds, the bolts are flush with the drive and will not go any further.. I have adjusted the motor up and down with no success.

Is the first step of the alignment tool suppost to go into the sleeve that is connected to the coupler? The drive was a skunk to get off. The gimbal bearing is good, and I have centered it many times to try with the bar to make sure it is correct.

The front engine mount, have never been moved- the port is alot higher then the starboard..Since I cant get the alignment tool in I cant tell if it need to go up,down,left or right. I am not getting any grease trails on the end of the alignment tool as it is bottoming out out on the steel shaft. I am for sure missing something.
Any suggestions would be great !
Thank you. Pat

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Please clarify what you mean by "the bolts are flush with the drive and will not go any further". What bolt are you refereeing to?

You can try to insert a 1 inch pipe into the bearing and with the help of flashlight you will be able to see which part of the coupler is hitting then you will know if you need to adjust the engine up or down.

Is this a new install? Was the engine aligned before?

Check your engine mounting structure itself. If it is rotted out and allowed the mounts to sink down, this might be the reason for the engine to be out of alignment.

 

[bluestreak21]

the mounting bolts for the drive are flush with the holes in the mounting area of the drive..Basically cant get the 6 nuts on.

Not a new instal, just replaced the bellows. Engine has never been aligned before.1997 year of boat. Engine mounts are solid all the way around.

I will try the 1' pipe to see if I can a feel for the engine mount adjustment.
Thank you for your help, much appreciated!

 

[DeepBlue2010]

changing bellows should through the alignment off like that. Well, see what is the pipe experiment will tell you and plz, keep us posted

 

[Bt Doctur]

The front engine mount, have never been moved- the port is alot higher then the starboard

Guessing its a 3.0 inline 4 cylinder

The drive was a skunk to get off.

Likely means the rear bushing is shot and the motor squatted down when you remove the drive.That why it appears tilted

 

[bluestreak21]

sorry, its a 5.7. should have stated that. Im basically going to start over. Start at the bottom of the motor mount and go up until I have success-I tried the 1" pipe and it will help. I believe I have the coupler leaning to the starboard side as indicated by the pipe test, and with the alignment tool showing grease heavy on the port side just a little more then the starboard side. figuring, its hitting the port side first and with the small taper on the alignment tool.


I checked the rear mounts again, and they are solid.

You ever have one of those days?? Well today is mine...Thank you for the help!

 

[bluestreak21]

One more question. How many turns would do at a time on the motor mount bolts, and then check? Being is quite far off. 1/4, 1/2 ,3/4 or 1..My expeirence on this is not very much, so I am not sure.
Thanks again

 

[Bt Doctur]

you don't understand the rear mounts. even fully collapsed they will appear solid. the rear of the motor "floats" on the rear mounts. the inner sleeve is bonded to the rubber .Once the bond breaks the rear of the motor squats down.It makes removing a outdrive a real PITA.
You should be able to visually see the inner ring of the coupler inside the inner ring of the bearing
if alignment is close. If you see more of the coupler ring ,alignment is seriously off.