Alignment issue

[NHGuy]

Hi, Alpha 1, Mercruiser 5.7 LX with an alignment question.
I have the motor out for some gaskets right now and I'll be reinstalling it in a couple of days.
Before I removed the engine I had to put my front mounts all the way down to get the alignment bar in, so that's what I did. I'd have expected to be closer to the center on the adjusters so I got some rear mounts for when the engine is out. What's weird is the old mounts look fine.
I have inspected for the mounts and the spacers that go above them inside the flywheel housing, the spacers are there. Also I do have the double wound washers and the fiber washers that sit in the transom plate side of the assembly.
What is there to check? Should I look through the installation instructions to measure my mount placements?
Should I shim the rear mounts to raise the rear of the engine? If so how? An extra fiber washer?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Alignment issue

The rear mounts are etched in stone, as they provide proper alignment with the transom assembly & gimbal bearing. So, don't mess with that; just check to make sure it is set up correctly.

I am curious about your need to adjust the front mounts down. Did the outdrive come out OK, when you pulled the engine?

I'd come up and help you, but the Admiral says I have to rake leaves this weekend.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Alignment issue

Hey NHGuy, I am a southern NH resident and have a tool that you can borrow that would probably come in handy. It's a two piece alignment bar. The outer sleeve fits the gimbal bearing perfectly and the inner bar fits inside the coupler and the inside of the outer sleeve perfectly. It allows you to easily compare the gimbal bearing height to the coupler height in situations where there's a gross misalignment and you can't get a normal alignment bar inserted. I'm happy to let you borrow it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alignment issue

Could be the front mounts were made too high when the boat was built, or the transom cutout was cut too low.
I have found new boats with the same condition, so it may not be anything failing.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Alignment issue

Hey NHGuy, I am a southern NH resident and have a tool that you can borrow that would probably come in handy. It's a two piece alignment bar. The outer sleeve fits the gimbal bearing perfectly and the inner bar fits inside the coupler and the inside of the outer sleeve perfectly. It allows you to easily compare the gimbal bearing height to the coupler height in situations where there's a gross misalignment and you can't get a normal alignment bar inserted. I'm happy to let you borrow it.

Is that the thing that I borrowed from you a few years ago?

It was quite useful for the rough alignment that you need after installing a gimbal bearing or re-mounting an engine.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Alignment issue

Is that the thing that I borrowed from you a few years ago?

It was quite useful for the rough alignment that you need after installing a gimbal bearing or re-mounting an engine.

Yup, same tool. A few people have used it now and love it. Cost me 40 bucks to have a machinist friend make it. Same guy I recommended to you for skeg welding work.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Alignment issue

That tool sounds like it would be good to set your gimbal angle if you couldn't find the coupler. I will remember you and ask if I ever need it. But I have a recent gimbal bearing that I don't want to remove. I think I am going to find the original setup instructions and measure the mount positions while I wait for my timing chain to arrive.
If I don't find something to do I'll eat everything in the house...