lining up gimble

picker523

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2006
Messages
130
I 've got a alignment tool coming for my 87 mercruiser but I'm not sure how to make adjustments. Do I tap on gimble bearings until it lines up right?
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,447
Re: lining up gimble

I Assume it's an Alpha 1,............ What Motor,..??.....
 

MJ76

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 17, 2006
Messages
85
Re: lining up gimble

For alignment purposes you're not so much concerned with the gimbal bearing as you are with the engine alignment. The gimbal bearing can be tweaked using the alignment tool to center it, particularly if you have just replaced it. You are looking for the tool to slide smoothly into the coupler with no binding. If it does not, you'll have to adjust the front motor mounts up or down to make it so.
 

picker523

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2006
Messages
130
Re: lining up gimble

yes... It's a alpha 1, and I understand up and down but I seem to recall a thread where an engine was out side to side. Is this a problem very often?
 

MJ76

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 17, 2006
Messages
85
Re: lining up gimble

It's less likely to be out side-to side, because of the way the aft end of the engine is mounted to the transom assembly. The tool will tell, however. Just grease up the end of the alignment tool. Once the gimbal bearing is centered and you contact the coupler with the tool, the spline contact areas on the tool will tell you which way you need to go.
 
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