Outdrive alignment assistance-Merc 898

[Boomyal]

Are there any other adjusting points besides the motor mounts, when aligning the 898 outdrive? A friend is doing his now and it acts like the back of the motor is too high.

He is able to fully insert the alignment tool but he said that there is noticable friction on the bottom side of the tool inside the coupler. He used paint to verify this.

ADDED NOTE: He has not yet checked alignment at all 90 deg intervals. He will do that.
Any other tips or nuances would be appreciated.

Also, what is an suitable alternative for spline lubrication, other than the Merc "spline grease"

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Outdrive alignment-Merc 898

Re: Outdrive alignment-Merc 898

^ bump

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive alignment assistance-Merc 898

Clean the paint off the alignment bar, that alone will make it tighter. Use grease. You will be able to see the imprint of the splines in the grease just fine.
If it doesn't seem to adjust, turn the engine and see if the tight spot follows the engine. If it does, the coupler is off center and will have to be replaced.
Just had one do that last week. Went in and bound on the bottom of the bar. Turned the engine 180° and it hit on the top. Installed a new coupler and all aligned fine.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Outdrive alignment assistance-Merc 898

So I take it that the motor mounts are the only adjustment points? Is marine bearing grease suitable for spline lubrication?

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive alignment assistance-Merc 898

Yes the motor mounts are the only adjustment, and I think bondo mentions about the grease in every post.
"Any grease is better than no grease at all."

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Outdrive alignment assistance-Merc 898

Thanks Don!