Engine coupler upgrade woes......

[mylesm260]

Bought a boat that needed a new motor.

Marineized a 4.3 vortec.

Reused the old engine coupler.

Boat ran great for 10 hours or so.

Engine coupler failed.

The old engine coupler was the round small style that works with the 12" flywheel. I was using it on the vortec's 14" flywheel. I blame the coupler failure on the fact that I never aligned the engine when I installed it. So I ordered a new coupler, however, I ordered the newer triangluar style (As well as a new yoke shaft) I did this because I was told that it's more reliable, with beefier splines. Also, the newer style has the grease nipple which is a total bonus maintenence wise.

The new coupler installed perfectly onto the votec flywheel, however....

My bellhousing won't go on the back of the motor without touching the new coupler. There is about 1/8 - 1/4 of an inch gap where the bellhousing would normally contact the back of the motor. What do I do at this point? Do I need a new bellhousing? Is it posible to use washers and space my bellhousing back 1/4 of an inch? would this cause spline damage? Do different couplers require different bellhousing?


Thanks

Myles.

[whywhyzed]

I would look for a proper coupler (old type last 25 years or more if alignment checked regularly) or investigate grinding the 1/4" or so out of the bellhousing for clearance but dont space the bellhousing back with washers. Those 2 flat surfaces are critical with the dowels and all- you'd never get it or keep it straight and it would put pressure on everything fore and aft... nightmare that would be.

[Bond-o]

Do different couplers require different bellhousing?

Ayuh,..........
It would be Nice if you mentioned exactly What Drive your trying to attach to that motor.........

[mylesm260]

Ha ha, my appologies.

Mid 80's Alpha-1.

I've already bought the new coupler, I certainily don't want to have to return it and get the older style again.

[Don S]

I've already bought the new coupler, I certainily don't want to have to return it and get the older style again.

And your options are?????????????

[Haut Medoc]

You need to go back to the old style coupler & make sure your engine is properly aligned this time........

[mylesm260]

Is there no way to make this coupler work with my setup?

There are lots of flywheel bellhousings on ebay for cheap.

The coupler was expensive, and I doubt I will be able to get a refund or exchange on it, as I bought it online.

Why can't I simply use the newer style bellhousing? Do different bellhousings require different transom plates?

Here is an example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...AQ:MOTORS:1123

I asked the seller if the bellhousing came from a triangular coupler and he said it did.

[Bond-o]

Why can't I simply use the newer style bellhousing? Do different bellhousings require different transom plates?

Ayuh..............