Re: Engine coupler life expectancy???
Just replaced engine coupler on our 1980 vintage 140 Mercruiser. Engine would start reving up about 7 MPH while trying to get up on plane but would not go any faster. Had prop overhauled and rehubbed, did break-in procedure, same result with engine reving up. Took prop back to prop shop, they bench torqued prop to 350lbs of torque with no slippage. Technician told me it had to be the coupler since prop and gears were ok. We took engine out with engine hoist (unhooked all hoses and wiring, unbolted 2 transom bracket bolts and 2 front bracket bolts into beam, leaving adjustment bolt as set). Lifted engine about 1/2" to 3/4" and slid it forward off the drive shaft. Coupler unbolts from flywheel. You will see wear damage where it has been spinning. New coupler was about $235.00 and boat runs like new now. Since old coupler had lasted 23 years and outdrive installed easily the last time it was worked on, we did not see the need to remove outdrive and use alignment tool.
