Alignment tool wont fit into drive coupler?

[Knot Waiting]

For the past few years I have only been able to insert about 1" of my alignemnt tool into the drive coupler. No matter how I moved the engine only 1" went in. So while replacing the gimbal today I decided just to test fit the tool. Low and behold even without the confliction of the gimbal I can only get about 1" of the tool into the coupler. What gives? Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alignment tool wont fit into drive coupler?

Get out your micrometers.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Alignment tool wont fit into drive coupler?

Just mic'd it and the part that goes into the drive coupler is 1.01 like your diagram shows. The coupler splines appear to be in good condition, although they re a good distance back in the gimbal housing so its tough to tell for sure.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Alignment tool wont fit into drive coupler?

Figured out the problem. Pretty silly actually. The drive coupler splines were so caked in old hardened grease that it limited how far I could push the alignment tool in. Few solid whacks on the end of the alignment bar cleared it up.