how to align the engine

betayv

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
706
hello there I pull my outdrive out to check the aligment on my engine, I bought the tool but doesnt came with instructions at all, please help Im sorry if this sound dumb thanks
 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
1,934
Re: how to align the engine

If you look in the adults only thread, you can download the manual, then you'll have accurate information.
 

betayv

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
706
Re: how to align the engine

well thanks for nothing because I try to download the manual and I dont get anything So I gave up.
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,454
Re: how to align the engine

Inspect the splines on the shaft for visible wear, generally if the splines
are worn then the coupler is also worn. If wear is evident replace the parts
as needed.


NEVER Force the alignment tool in, you can damage the tool and the coupler.

NOTE: If you find the tool will not slide into the gimbal simply remove the
black coating on the largest step with fine sand paper.


1) Once you have the engine height close enough to
fully insert the tool without force, then you can start
working on setting the proper alignment.

Take your time, getting it close enough to insert the
tool the first time can sometimes be the hardest (most
frustrating) part.

2) Coat the end section of the tool (the smallest diameter
area) with a light coat of grease and then insert it fully
into the coupler.

3) Without turning the tool, pull it straight out and look at
the depth of the teeth marks in the grease.

If the teeth marks in the grease are deep on the
top side and shallow on the bottom side of the tool then
your motor is too high.

If the marks in the grease are deeper on the bottom than
on the top then your motor is too low.

4) Adjust the engine height accordingly.

5) Keep checking the depth of the marks in the grease until
they are equal in depth on top and bottom.

Sometimes as little as 1/8th of a turn on the adjusting nut can be the
difference between being properly aligned, and just having it "close"

Lightly Grease the splines on the shaft (and on the coupler if you can) with
Spline grease prior to assembly.
 

betayv

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
706
Re: how to align the engine

hey bruce thanks great information just what i was looking for thanks again.
 

bigskiohio

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 3, 2008
Messages
882
Re: how to align the engine

you beat me, those are the same that i got with my bar.some guys rotate engine 180 then recheck and i guess split the difference.
 

P 0 P E Y E

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 3, 2009
Messages
441
Re: how to align the engine

Inspect the splines on the shaft for visible wear, generally if the splines
are worn then the coupler is also worn. If wear is evident replace the parts
as needed.


NEVER Force the alignment tool in, you can damage the tool and the coupler.

NOTE: If you find the tool will not slide into the gimbal simply remove the
black coating on the largest step with fine sand paper.


1) Once you have the engine height close enough to
fully insert the tool without force, then you can start
working on setting the proper alignment.

Take your time, getting it close enough to insert the
tool the first time can sometimes be the hardest (most
frustrating) part.

2) Coat the end section of the tool (the smallest diameter
area) with a light coat of grease and then insert it fully
into the coupler.

3) Without turning the tool, pull it straight out and look at
the depth of the teeth marks in the grease.

If the teeth marks in the grease are deep on the
top side and shallow on the bottom side of the tool then
your motor is too high.

If the marks in the grease are deeper on the bottom than
on the top then your motor is too low.

4) Adjust the engine height accordingly.

5) Keep checking the depth of the marks in the grease until
they are equal in depth on top and bottom.

Sometimes as little as 1/8th of a turn on the adjusting nut can be the
difference between being properly aligned, and just having it "close"

Lightly Grease the splines on the shaft (and on the coupler if you can) with
Spline grease prior to assembly.

Well put, I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for posting.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: how to align the engine

you beat me, those are the same that i got with my bar.some guys rotate engine 180 then recheck and i guess split the difference.

The reason for turning the engine 180? (also 90? and 270?) is to check if your coupler is off, Many new couplers have the splines insalled in the rubber a little off. This means the coupler is not usable. This happens in both aftermarket and OEM couplers. Just the nature of the beast.
So you must check.
If you can put the alignment bar in easily at 0? then turn 180? and the alignment bar will not go in, YOU need a new coupler. Splitting the difference is not an option.
 

Mkos1980

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 25, 2007
Messages
640
Re: how to align the engine

When you say depth, do you mean the indent into the grease or the length of which the splines show on the bar?
 

bigskiohio

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 3, 2008
Messages
882
Re: how to align the engine

thanx don that clears that up for me mine was good as i rotated engine but i wondered what would i do if i had to adjust. Indents are in the grease ,it will be like long keys of grease the splines in coupler leave as you bottom out and pull straight out ,you have to do it and it will make sense. height of grease marks
is what you are looking at.
 

bigskiohio

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 3, 2008
Messages
882
Re: how to align the engine

your rear mounts need to be tight when you start.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: how to align the engine

your rear mounts need to be tight when you start.

ALL of your mounts MUST be tight when you make your final check.
Don't even think that when you get the front mount adjusted but still loose, that you are done. When everything is tight, and the alignment bar slips in easily, Then you put the drive on.
 

bigskiohio

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 3, 2008
Messages
882
Re: how to align the engine

i did it just like don says, all the little info that is left out of instructions is usually the most important. Like holding the flat on the threaded portion when you tighten it up.
 
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