engine alignment

[skicat]

350 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 2<br /><br />How often should you have your alignment checked? What would a good Mercruiser Service Dept. charge? How hard would it be to do yourself?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: engine alignment

hello<br /> merc says once a year. its not hard. remove the drive and buy a 70 dollar tool. but while your there inspect the coupler,u-joints and especially the leaky-arse bull crap upper shift shaft seal. that is where tech's come in. a good one hunts for problems while they are cheap.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[Don S]

Re: engine alignment

We check alignment any time the drive is removed, for most people it is yearly during winterization. Also, don't forget to reach in and turn the gimbal bearing. If it is rough or you can feel any "Bumps" as it turns, replace it.<br />We even disconnect the shift cable from the engine and make sure it works free and smooth.<br />While you have the drive off, also look at the splines in the coupler. If they come up to a sharp point, you can expect a spun coupler is in your future.

 

[kwoolard]

Re: engine alignment

Is it necessary to remove the drive and store it for the winter every year? <br /><br />Is this done just for the subzero locations or is it routine maintenence regardless of your geographical location?