Engine alignment tool

[fisherman73]

So after reading Dons sticky on winterization I realize that I should be checking my engine alignment when my drive is off. Question is how do a aquire such an alignment tool. I have a 1997 5.7L gli VP Sx.

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Engine alignment tool

Right here at iboats, Ebay, almost anywhere thet sell Merc. parts...Google it

 

[fisherman73]

Re: Engine alignment tool

The tools that I am finding say they are for the merc. Will the merc tool also work on the VP ?

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Engine alignment tool

The tools that I am finding say they are for the merc. Will the merc tool also work on the VP ?

Yes it will

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Engine alignment tool

Boy, sorry about that. I didn't read it close enough to realize it was a Volvo...too excited that it's Friday I guess. I have read that many people use the input shaft to align that, but I'm not sure why

Someone else will be along and explain, I'm sure.

Edit; Thanks Boat Teck

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Engine alignment tool

You don't want to use an input shaft. You don't want splines.

 

[ricovw]

Re: Engine alignment tool

i found a drawing for an alignment tool on the internent. It was for the 3.0 merc, which is what i have. I happen to be a machinist so i made it. Very simple, if you know a machinist, or someone with a lathe, you could get it made.

 

[fisherman73]

Re: Engine alignment tool

Thanks for the input. I am noticing that the ones that I have found are around a hundred bucks, seems pretty steep for a piece of steel stock. But I guess thats how it goes with special tools. Probably alot cheaper than fixing the damage if its not aligned. I have had the drive out I think four times since Ive had the boat. Would I have noticed that it was difficult to remove or reinstall if the alignment was out ?

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Engine alignment tool

If the Merc tool will work, they're available on Ebay for $30.00. Check out this link;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merc...5464614QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

 

[fisherman73]

Re: Engine alignment tool

Cool ! thanks I ordered one. Shipping seems pretty outrageous to me, 20 bucks additional but still alot better than 100 bucks plus shipping. Thanks again for all the info

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Engine alignment tool

When you get it, you will realize why its $20....very heavy.

 

[jetmart]

Re: Engine alignment tool

How can the alignment go out during normal seasonal operation?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Engine alignment tool

Sagging of the stringers...compression of the mounting hardware...

Very slight changes can throw it way out of whack.

 

[KJSmitty]

Re: Engine alignment tool

How can the alignment go out during normal seasonal operation?

An example:

I have a 5 year old Cobalt boat/Volvo Penta 5.7 GXi DP that a dealer was maintaining for the first 3 years (supposedly pulled the drive each year for winterization and appropriate checks etc..). Last fall I pulled the drive myself for the first time and purchased an alignment tool. It was all I could do to get it to attempt to slide in the coupler. I had to literally lower the front engine mounts near 1/2 inch for a perfect alignment. Pulled the drive again just last weekend for winterization and the alignment was still perfect.

I have no idea if the dealer ever made any adjustments or even ever checked it,, or - it was either bad from the factory or the mounts really compressed over the few years.. Bottom line, it can change and needs to be checked. I was amazed that the/my coupler had survived given the offset.

For the OP, I probably purchased the same tool as you for my VP DP. Approx $50 with shipping. Yes it is heavy and be sure to coat it with grease or oil while storing otherwise it will rust.

Good luck