Mercruiser Bravo 2 alignment tool 1/32 wobble at end of alignment shaft? Too much?

[adamstarr77]

Hello - long time lurker and first time poster here!

Old flywheel / engine coupler used on a rebuild 454. The coupler looks to be in good shape. When I went to align the drive I noticed that when I rotate the alignment tool there is a slight wobble, 1/32nd to 3/64th (ish?) of a wobble at the end of the alignment tool.

Is this acceptable or should I pull the engine (again) and get a new coupler on there.

This is a carbed 454 bored over and ready to crank, coupled to a bravo 2 sterndrive.

Thank you!!!!

 

[tpenfield]

Welcome to iBoats, long time lurker

Well, I'm not sure if there is a certain 'specification' of 'end play' for the tool. The procedure would be to check alignment, remove the tool, rotate the engine 90˚ check alignment, repeat 2 more times.

Ideally, the tool should slide into the coupler and show a consistent tooth mark pattern on the grease film that is applied to the tool. Essentially, you are testing to see if the spline is 'true' within the hub of the coupler.

Since the coupler is older and may have some wear, you should visibly examine the teeth of the spline for signs of visible wear.

If you determine that the coupler is OK . . . remember grease is your friend and any grease is better than no grease. So make sure to have plenty of grease inside the coupler before you install the outdrive.

 

[Scott06]

Hello - long time lurker and first time poster here!

Old flywheel / engine coupler used on a rebuild 454. The coupler looks to be in good shape. When I went to align the drive I noticed that when I rotate the alignment tool there is a slight wobble, 1/32nd to 3/64th (ish?) of a wobble at the end of the alignment tool.

Is this acceptable or should I pull the engine (again) and get a new coupler on there.

This is a carbed 454 bored over and ready to crank, coupled to a bravo 2 sterndrive.

Thank you!!!!

1/32 or so wouldn’t concern me as ted outlines what do the splines in coupler and drive shaft look like? Look in with a flash light if they are pointed replace coupler

 

[tank1949]

If were me, I'd contact MC for specs. This will give YOU peace of mind or make you replace coupler. BUT, Is gimbal bearing in good shape???? That may be where play is coming from????

 

[adamstarr77]

If were me, I'd contact MC for specs. This will give YOU peace of mind or make you replace coupler. BUT, Is gimbal bearing in good shape???? That may be where play is coming from????

 

[adamstarr77]

If were me, I'd contact MC for specs. This will give YOU peace of mind or make you replace coupler. BUT, Is gimbal bearing in good shape???? That may be where play is coming from????

Thanks for the reply

The gimble bearing is brand new and has no out-of-spec play in it - or at least it has such little play that the only variance is the 1/32 wobble in the alignment tool.

 

[adamstarr77]

1/32 or so wouldn’t concern me as ted outlines what do the splines in coupler and drive shaft look like? Look in with a flash light if they are pointed replace coupler

Thanks for the reply here

Splines all appear to be in great shape, all marks on the drive shaft are symmetrical and identical in appearance.

 

[Bondo]

Thanks for the reply

The gimble bearing is brand new and has no out-of-spec play in it - or at least it has such little play that the only variance is the 1/32 wobble in the alignment tool.

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... Where are you measurin' this 1/32",..??

 

[achris]

... when I rotate the alignment tool ...

Don't rotate the tool while in the coupler. You need to go straight in, and straight out to get the grease marks.

As already mentioned, if you suspect a coupler problem, do a reading then (with the tool removed) rotate the engine 90°, and check again. Then rotate the engine until you have 4 readings. They should all show the same. There is no requirement, need or specification for rotating the tool while it's in the coupler. In short, you're looking for a solution to a problem that does not exist.

Chris.......