Replaced head gasket question

[CPro]

I am wrapping up my head gasket replacement on my 1997 Mercruiser 3.0LX & have a question about rocker adjustment. I haven't figured out a good approach for turning the engine other than using the starter. The problem is that i need to get the thing to TDC in order to set the rocker tension. The starter is an imprecise way to do this for sure. Any thoughts on a better approach? Thanks in advance! The outdrive is an alpha one

 

[achris]

Turn the alternator, using it's pulley nut, while pressing on the belt. That should create enough friction to be able to turn the engine.

Chris.....

 

[alldodge]

1997 Mercruiser 3.0LX

No need to rotate motor, adjust all rockers by torquing to 20 foot pounds and start the motor

 

[CPro]

I believe this is one of the engines on which you need to adjust the rocker arm tension to remove play from the push rods. Great suggestion to use the alternator - why didn't i think of that??

 

[Scott Danforth]

97 should be tighten and go