Spun engine coupler.

[boxchevyman]

Hi all!
So i was out today tubing with the boat and all of a sudden the boat wont move. so after a long fiasco got home and pulled the lower unit and notice the engine coupler was actually spun and rotated. so i realize i need to buy a new one and put it on. but i had a few quick questions.

1. do you guys think this was an engine alignment issue or ?
2. Is there anyway to do this without removing the engine?

thanks,
James

 

[alldodge]

1. do you guys think this was an engine alignment issue or ?

IMO yes

2. Is there anyway to do this without removing the engine?

Nope

 

[allyolds68]

I use an old outdrive shaft to check alignment. It should easily go into the coupler. From your second pic the alignment doesn't look very good. I lifted the motor about a foot in an 83 sea ray Sundancer and was able to change it but it was a PIA. Getting the bell housing bolts off and then getting good torque on the new coupler bolts was very difficult.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Ya really need an Alignment Bar,.....

An ole input shaft is much smaller, 'n doesn't allow for proper alignment,....

2. Is there anyway to do this without removing the engine?

Nope,..... No way in 'ell,.....

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

I use an old outdrive shaft to check alignment. It should easily go into the coupler. From your second pic the alignment doesn't look very good. I lifted the motor about a foot in an 83 sea ray Sundancer and was able to change it but it was a PIA. Getting the bell housing bolts off and then getting good torque on the new coupler bolts was very difficult.

Just for kicks... so did I... Got the new bearing aligned real nice. Then I stuck the alignment tool in and it wasn't even close. The clearances in the tool are much tighter and more accurate.

There is no substitute.

 

[flipbro]

I also tried an old shaft once same as Eric it don't work 40 bucks for an alignment tool is cheap insurance on your 300 dollar coupler not to mention the labour involved.plus then you can check every spring

 

[stonyloam]

If you took out the rubber part, probably. If you took out the splines it might have been a lack of lubrication. You MAY not have to remove the engine from the boat, but you do need to unbolt it from the mounts, lift it and move it forward (or the boat back) enough to get at the flywheel cover and coupler bolts.