Alignment tool doesn't rotate

[Joncarn]

I am trying to install a new outdrive and need some help. I have a 94 Regal Valanti with 4.3 and alpha one gen 2. The upper drive was fried by the previous owner and I purchased a new upper and lower assembly. I can't get the drive to slide all the way on. I pulled the old Drive shaft off the old unit to use as an alignment tool. It slides all the way in fine but doesn't rotate. All of the videos I have seen show the tool rotating when installed. The gear is still in forward, does this matter? I did install a new gimbal bearing and bellows kit and I tested the new bearing on the new drive shaft before installing it and it fit like expected. Also, the engine runs, I have run it.
And, yes, I am new to boat repairs but I am a seasoned mechanic, so I need all the help I can get!

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

You better eat more spinach if you want to rotate the input shaft used as an alignment tool because the splines engage the coupler and you are trying to turn the motor. Alignment tools are splineless for a reason.

Insert the tool and check the grease pattern, looking for even markings. After you adjust the motor mounts for a good grease pattern, turn the motor a quarter turn, check the grease pattern on the tool after reinsertion. Repeat until the motor is turned 360 degrees and the grease pattern is good each time.

 

[Joncarn]

Well I feel like a complete idiot! That makes such perfect sense. I double checked putting the shaft in and it is not seating all the way, so clearly the gimbal bearing is not aligned. The new gimbal bearing went in real easy for a bearing too. Is this something I should be concerned about?
Your explanation does make me feel better though, thanks!

 

[Watermann]

You really should pop for an alignment tool. Once inserted into the coupler you have to use a rubber mallet to smack the tool on all 4 sides to align the gimbal bearing with the tool so it's not binding on the tool keeping it from going all the way in. After that you need to do the proper height adjustments on the motor mounts if necessary while using the grease method explained above.

 

[GA_Boater]

It's been a long time since I had a Mercruiser, but the gimbal bearing needs to bumped with the tool because it does move as a function of being a gimbal. Not much, but a little movement.

Some gimbal bearings are easy and some are tougher to seat.

Hopefully one of the guys with more recent experience will see this. achris , Bondo Am I steering Joncan in the right direction?

And you too, Watermann. :smile: Didn't see you online.

 

[Joncarn]

I just ordered the alignment tool and will follow those recommended alignment procedures.
I have another "new guy" question, are there supposed to be o-rings on the driveshaft? The bellows kit I purchased has 3 o-rings and the shaft has 3 grooves, but there were no o-rings on the shaft when I pulled the drive. The previous owner replaced the gimbal bearing himself (beat it pretty bad too) and I am suspicious of his work.
Thanks for the help, you folks have been very helpful!

 

[achris]

3 grooves, 3 'O' rings... Yep, that's right... 2 small, 1 slightly larger... The 2 small ones go in the grooves right up by the uni joints, the one slightly larger goes in the groove nearest the splines.

And don't forget the large 'O' ring for the water port on the port side of the bell housing...

Chris.........

 

[GA_Boater]

Just noticed this thread should be moved to the Mercruiser section and will be in a second or two.

The Adults Only stickie on top of the Mercruiser section has some good stuff - http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engin...-no-exceptions

achris has an Checking Engine Alignment video linked in the Adults Only stickie under Engine Alignment How-To's. http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engin...nment-how-to-s

 

[Joncarn]

Well I got my alignment tool and the alignment was off pretty bad, I had to lower the front of the engine about 1/2". Is this unusual? I have the tool going in and out fairly smoothly now, tomorrow going to rotate the engine 90-degrees and check again. I'm just concerned about how much I had to lower the engine.

 

[harleyman1975]

Could be a sign of rot someplace...or could be a sign that somebody changed out engine and did not bother to realign it.