Setting Drive Shaft Preload on Alpha Gen II Tool Question

[sweninge]

Looked in service manual #14, on the web, youtube, everywhere can't fin what I need answered. Now I turn to the Mercruiser god's on iboats to help me answer a simple question...

I do not have access to a dial indicator torque wrench to set the 5.25 in-lbs (used set of bearings) to set preload. No one in town has one.. Not mechanics, friends, company I work for... no one. I do have a 1/4" in-lb click torque wrench.

Can I use this or do I have to spend the $150 for a dial indicator torque wrench? Closest Mercruiser dealer is 60 miles away. They don't return calls and they don't pick up the phone most of the time. Next closest is 2+hours away.

 

[tpenfield]

You really need a dial wrench. After having set the rolling torque on by Bravo drive shaft assembly, I don't see that a click style would work at all. If they are not set right, then plan on doing it again in a year or two at the cost of new bearings and gears.

I got a Seekonk wrench for $150 and used it for 10 mins so far.. . . Probably has a multi-year payback. Achris has a video on YouTube, in case you have not seen it (chrisa660) is his handle there.

 

[sweninge]

I was hoping there was another way. Thanks Tpenfield for the advice.

 

[alldodge]

+1 with tpenfield and I purchased mine from here
http://www.emaxaction.com/cdidialwrenchatemaxaction.aspx

 

[NHGuy]

Dodge that's a good buy for new, not e-bay.

 

[muc]

At the MerCruiser factory school they have us use a beam style torque wrench. I'm guessing they are cheaper. You should get one that reads 0-30 inch lbs. The ones that read up to 150 inch pounds are very tough to use.

 

[achris]

At the MerCruiser factory school they have us use a beam style torque wrench. I'm guessing they are cheaper. You should get one that reads 0-30 inch lbs. The ones that read up to 150 inch pounds are very tough to use.

Completely agree. When I go to replace mine, it will be with a 0-30... The reason I have the 0-150 is because that was the one recommended in the Merc Manual :facepalm:

 

[sweninge]

After reading everyone's comments I ordered it last night. CDI 0-30 for $112 on Amazon. It was a returned unit but "like new" according to Amazon. It makes sense to do it right and not take my drive out.

Thank all of you for your help!