Hi - reading the various posts on doing a gimbal bearing/engine alignment and using the alignment tool (which I have), I have two questions:
1. It seems some people say to put the bar through just the bearing and tap around a bit first (vs. adjusting the front engine mount) - is this right or is that just to make sure the gimbal bearing is centered in its carrier? (It would seem that if you get alignment by adjusting the bearing, once you put the outdrive on, it would just possible adjust back because the U-joints would slightly cocked otherwise, no?)
2. What should be the max 'reasonable force' for pushing in an alignment bar if things are aligned ok (once through the bearing but not yet in the coupler) - one finger's pressure? full-hand force? I'm able to get it in but it definitely stops first when it gets to the coupler (and drive does the same). Once alignment bar is in, it seems to rotate pretty smoothly with no 'scratching' sounds or resistance, but i'm worried just because it doesn't push all the way in the first time smoothly with really light pressure (more than the o-rings on the shaft could be causing).
Thoughts? Thanks!
Background:
I have a 1987 Four Winns 170 Candia deck boat with a 165hp Mercruiser/Mercury Marine inline 4-cylinder/224cid engine, with a close cooling system and an Alpha One (Gen I) outdrive. Serial numbers as follows:
- Mercruiser Drive Unit Serial #: 0B701774
- Mercruiser Engine Serial #: B731211
1. It seems some people say to put the bar through just the bearing and tap around a bit first (vs. adjusting the front engine mount) - is this right or is that just to make sure the gimbal bearing is centered in its carrier? (It would seem that if you get alignment by adjusting the bearing, once you put the outdrive on, it would just possible adjust back because the U-joints would slightly cocked otherwise, no?)
2. What should be the max 'reasonable force' for pushing in an alignment bar if things are aligned ok (once through the bearing but not yet in the coupler) - one finger's pressure? full-hand force? I'm able to get it in but it definitely stops first when it gets to the coupler (and drive does the same). Once alignment bar is in, it seems to rotate pretty smoothly with no 'scratching' sounds or resistance, but i'm worried just because it doesn't push all the way in the first time smoothly with really light pressure (more than the o-rings on the shaft could be causing).
Thoughts? Thanks!
Background:
I have a 1987 Four Winns 170 Candia deck boat with a 165hp Mercruiser/Mercury Marine inline 4-cylinder/224cid engine, with a close cooling system and an Alpha One (Gen I) outdrive. Serial numbers as follows:
- Mercruiser Drive Unit Serial #: 0B701774
- Mercruiser Engine Serial #: B731211
