98 Mecruiser alignment problems

[sas440]

Having trouble getting alignment tool to go into Engine coupler.Engine is 5.7 with alpha 1 out drive. Adjusted motor mounts several times and nothing changed. Removed the engine this past winter and had it rebuilt.Was wondering is there different size alingment tools? At a lost Any help would be great Thanks Scott

 

[Don S]

Re: 98 Mecruiser alignment problems

All the alignment bars are the same. Have a look at this thread, it may help you figure out what is wrong.

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...utdrives/engine-alignment-how-tos-443992.html

 

[sas440]

Re: 98 Mecruiser alignment problems

Can the engine be so far out of align that you can't get the alignment tool started in the coupler?

 

[Don S]

Re: 98 Mecruiser alignment problems

You may have to twist the gimbal bearing so it too lines up with the coupler.

 

[Don S]

Re: 98 Mecruiser alignment problems

Here is a picture that shows a couple of gimbal bearings that are extreamly "Gimbal-ed" inside the outer race.

Yours is probably off just a little bit, use the alignment bar to twist it so the bar starts into the coupler.

 

[sas440]

Re: 98 Mecruiser alignment problems

and how do you do that?

 

[sas440]

Re: 98 Mecruiser alignment problems

Just saw the pict's Thanks

 

[sas440]

Re: 98 Mecruiser alignment problems

Just saw the pict's Thanks

Man not having any LUCK!!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: 98 Mecruiser alignment problems

If you cannot maneuver the gimbal bearing with the alignment tool in order to get it started into the coupler . . . then it may indicate that things did not go back together properly at the rear mounts. So. maybe check the rear mount installation and the various washers, etc that go together with the mounting bolts.

 

[Don S]

Re: 98 Mecruiser alignment problems

It can be a challenge at times to get the bearing to gimbal just right, but it can be done. Stick the alignment bar in as far as it goes, then go inside the boat and look (or feel) where the bar is compared to where the opening to the coupler is.

If all else fails, marine shops get paid for doing things DIYers can't.

 

[sas440]

Re: 98 Mecruiser alignment problems

So if the engine is set close to the orginal postion on the mounts the alignment tool should go into the coupler?

 

[cecho]

Re: 98 Mecruiser alignment problems

I had the same problem when I went to align the engine after install a new bearing. Put the alignment tool into the gimbal bearing just enough so the tool is in the bearing but not touching the engine coupler. Move the gimbal bearing around and add some grease to the exposed edges to make the gimbal bearing easier to gimbal (This helped a LOT!). Then move the gimbal bearing around while trying to find the entrance of the coupler. That should give you an idea of which way the engine needs to move. Mine was a good inch ouch of alignment on the front mounts.

I also could NOT get the engine alignment tool into the coupler until I spent 30 minutes or so cleaning the coupler with degreaser and a wire brush.

Aligning the engine is a bear. I still have bruises all over my hands and arms from when I did it a week or two ago.