Question about adjusting front engine mounts for Mercruiser alignment.

[BassinProf]

My Mercruiser 5.0 engine alignment appears to be off as the alignment tool takes quite a bit of pressure to go in the engine coupler. I know the next step is to adjust the front engine mounts but the mounts are not so easy to get to as they are tucked in somewhat under the engine. I can see them pretty well with a mirror but I'm having a heck of a time lifting the tabs on the locking washers. I've tried getting a screwdriver in there without any luck because the tab is so tightly pressed down there's little room to get the blade underneath the tab. Is there some special tool that makes lifting up the locking tabs easier?

My other question relates to the direction of movement if and when I am able to turn the mounts. The grease lines on the tool are less distinct on the bottom and it actually seems like I have to raise up the end of the tool to engage the coupler. I assume this means that the engine is too high at the coupler. However, if the back of the engine is too high does that mean that I need to raise the front, i.e. does raising the front lower the back?

Thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Raise the front

 

[alldodge]

Straightening the tabs are a pain and getting to them is battle. Don't know of any special tools even though someone may have made one. Like all repairs you have to get to the item, so might be necessary to remove the exhaust to get at them

 

[Bt Doctur]

I bent up a screwdriver to look like a small crow bar to pry them up but like AD says, they can be a bear to even get to