HELP I can't get my motor realigned

Lirksdad

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Joined
Jul 7, 2023
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9
Recently replaced the motor in my 98 Chaparral 1930ss. Purchased long block from Michigan Motorz swapped everything over besides new coupler just because. Put the motor back in and the coupler was out of wack so it wouldn't line up probably because I was cheap and purchased an after market one. So pulled the motor and I put the OEM one back on and it looks dead on but I cant get it to line up the splines with the alignment tool. Everything was installed correctly, Spring and fiber washers in the rear everything tightened I've adjusted the front mounts 100 times up and down by as little as a quarter turn and can't get the tool to go all the way in. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 

Scott06

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Apr 20, 2014
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6,428
there is a mercruiser procedure for centering the the gimbal bearing by inserting the tool and smacking it L, R, Up, down

How far in does the tool go and what do grease marks look like ? I had to jockey my engine side to side when I did my repower

Might be worth checking the tool dimensions vs dwg in the stickies or have you used this tool successfully before
 

Lirksdad

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Joined
Jul 7, 2023
Messages
9
there is a mercruiser procedure for centering the the gimbal bearing by inserting the tool and smacking it L, R, Up, down

How far in does the tool go and what do grease marks look like ? I had to jockey my engine side to side when I did my repower

Might be worth checking the tool dimensions vs dwg in the stickies or have you used this tool successfully before
I actually have a friend who took the tool to work today to make sure all specs where correct. The tool is going in to the coupler but stops at the splines and this is the first time the tool has been used.
 

Scott06

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Apr 20, 2014
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I actually have a friend who took the tool to work today to make sure all specs where correct. The tool is going in to the coupler but stops at the splines and this is the first time the tool has been used.
That would be a good sanity check . Also seen folks us a 1" pipe or dowel which wont be tight in the coupler but allows you to insert it and look in with a flash light to see which way it needs to move.

Be interested to see if the tool is wrong as that would be easiest solution. Would also double check the mounts are correct so you don't go nuts over something simple. If your original coupler is still ok the alignment must have been decent to begin with...

Did you get a reman or new base engine. I got a partial engine (silver package) from them in fall of 2015 been trouble free since then
 

kenny nunez

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Jun 20, 2017
Messages
3,290
Remove the top nuts on the mounts, with the engine hoist connected to the very front of the engine raise it then back the lower nuts down. Now raise and lower the engine to get the alignment bar into the sweet spot. Slapping the bar around is also a good way to get it in place.
 

Lirksdad

Cadet
Joined
Jul 7, 2023
Messages
9
That would be a good sanity check . Also seen folks us a 1" pipe or dowel which wont be tight in the coupler but allows you to insert it and look in with a flash light to see which way it needs to move.

Be interested to see if the tool is wrong as that would be easiest solution. Would also double check the mounts are correct so you don't go nuts over something simple. If your original coupler is still ok the alignment must have been decent to begin with...

Did you get a reman or new base engine. I got a partial engine (silver package) from them in fall of 2015 been trouble free since then
Remanufactured excellent customer service. Motor is trouble free besides alignment issues. I've been stuck since last Friday lol.
 

Lirksdad

Cadet
Joined
Jul 7, 2023
Messages
9
Remove the top nuts on the mounts, with the engine hoist connected to the very front of the engine raise it then back the lower nuts down. Now raise and lower the engine to get the alignment bar into the sweet spot. Slapping the bar around is also a good way to get it in place.
Been there
 

04fxdwgi25

Chief Petty Officer
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Mar 25, 2022
Messages
537
Double check that the rear mounting is assembled in the correct order. washer in wrong position throws the whole magilla off.
 

alldodge

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Staff member
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Mar 8, 2009
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42,054
Sounds like you have it centered

Put some grease on the end of the tool. Push in until it stops, pull it out and see if it's high or low
 
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