Need help with mercruiser alignment

[skydiven8]

I have just installed a new engine. 454 with Alpha one drive. When I went to align the engine with the drive there is quite an interference problem. I used the same mounts, etc...just an engine rebuild. My alignment tool will not even start in the coupler. Appears to be about 1/8" off center to the right. I rotated the engine 90 deg. and the problem seems to follow the rotation of the engine. All of the rear mounting hardware is installed correctly. I am completely confused.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Need help with mercruiser alignment

the problem seems to follow the rotation of the engine.

What do you mean by that? Does the off center stay to the right? Or does the off center move left to right with the rotation of the engine?

If it moves, I would say you either have a bad coupler, or it is installed wrong.

If it doesn't move, then I would suggest taking the weight off the back and shaking the engine a little - it is possible you just don't have it seated right on the mounts.

Failing that - double and triple check your mounting hardware.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Need help with mercruiser alignment

One more note - are you sure it is off to the side? You do know you adjust the front mounts up and down correct? Maybe it is simply way too high or low in the front and it just "looks" like it is off to one side or the other.

Just thinking out loud.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Need help with mercruiser alignment

Bounce the alignment tool around L to R, T to B. First you have to get the gimbal bearing aligned to the coupler before you can align the engine to that.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Need help with mercruiser alignment

Ayuh,... The bearing is Gimbeled, like your Eyeball,...
Beat it around to start it, Then adjust the mounts to center....