Evinrude Rod Cap alignment

[DHFleming]

I am rebuilding a 1989 Evinrude 150, Model E150TLCEM. I have the Evinrude service manual and a Clymer service manual. Both manuals state that I must use the OMC Alignment Fixture P/N 396749 to align the rod caps, and the OMC Torque Socket P/N 331638 to torque the rod cap bolts. Since the alignment fixture costs nearly $400, is there a way to do this job without the fixture? Will an ordinary socket used with a torque wrench be okay to torque the bolts?

 

[Walker]

Re: Evinrude Rod Cap alignment

I use my finger nail. If I can hang my finger nail on the edeg then its not aligned. Its really not very hard to get them aligned. You can use a 5/16" 12 point socket on a torque wrench thats calibrated in inch pounds.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Evinrude Rod Cap alignment

Like walker posted, a fingernail will work or a very sharp pencil. Do be aware that the edges of the rod and caps can "squish" on the original assembly and make it feel like the edges are not in alignment. Look at the mating line once you get the first torque on them.....which you should do in at least two stages....three is better. If the lines has all but disappeared, you should be right on.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Evinrude Rod Cap alignment

We've actually had better luck with alignment without the tool. If you're ever in doubt, assemble the rod cap without it being on the crank and check the inside. After all, the inside is what you want perfect regardless of how well the outside lines up.

 

[imported_neecapr]

Re: Evinrude Rod Cap alignment

Completely agree with Dhadley!! If fact, everyone should be aware that there is a handfull of 90 degree looper rods out there from OMC days that have incorrect edge chamfer dimensions. On these, the tool skews the cap OUT of alignment.
The caps are always wider than the main part of the rod.We spring them inward with soft (paperboard lined) jaws in a bench vise---very carefully until they fit with just an index finger holding the cap in place. Then assembly in the engine is easier and a sure bet!
I'm always inclined to give our assembly tool away, but, now and then we get a request for it's use by a customer.

 

[papasage]

Re: Evinrude Rod Cap alignment

the 1972 factory shop manul sayes to use a led pincle 0n the rod caps to check alingement . i use a 12 pt.5/16 socket . it will need to be a thin wall .