Outdrive alignment tool

[lakelivin]

'89 4.3L Cobra. Last time drive was removed & put back (by a shop) was last summer. <br /><br />I'm going to pull my outdrive for the first time & hope that I'll get lucky & be able to get it back on without too much difficulty without an alignment tool.<br /><br />But if I do need one, is the Merc alignment tool the same as one for a Cobra? I ask because there's a guy selling some on eBay that he says will work on Merc, Cobra, or Volvo. Figured either they have the same fit or that each end of the tool he's selling is machined differently to fit the different drives.<br /><br />Anyone know for sure?

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive alignment tool

Yep, same tool

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Outdrive alignment tool

thanks. hopefully will be able to get by without it this time and will keep my eye on eBay for when they go back down in price again. <br /><br />a month ago they were going for $25-$30 + $18 shipping, now seems like they're going for over $45 + shipping. must be alot more people working on their boats! (I know even $50-$60 is cheap, but funds are pretty tight now, so hope to catch one offseason for cheaper).

 

[switchin'addiction]

Re: Outdrive alignment tool

Just an FYI.....& just to clarify I am not sure of the exact year (s), but anyway the alignment tools for OMC/Volvo can be different depending on when they were manufactured. Some of the older tools need to be machined to be brought into spec for some of the "newer" drives. I thought I had read this somewhere & I asked the local VP mechanic about it just this week, and he verified this. He pulled out 2 different tools to show me even. I've got a 96' VP SX that I had him check the alignment on just because of my uncertaintity with the alignement tools. Please double check what I am saying, but I just thought I would pass this along.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Outdrive alignment tool

Thanks for the heads up, hopefully someone will be able to clarify.<br /><br />I've got an older drive so I wouldn't have a problem with an older tool. Question is, would I have a problem with a newer tool fitting my older drive? This is the same tool as for Mercs, so wouldn't a change effect the fit for Mercs as well? Any chance your repair guy was talking about a different alignment tool than the engine one?<br /><br />Can any of the pros/OMC experts clear this up (both directions; newer tool/older drive, older tool/newer drive), as well as the year these changed (if they did)? <br /><br />Mine came out so smoothly I'm guardedly optomistic I'll be able to get it back in without an alignment tool at this point. Wish me luck.

 

[xltier]

Re: Outdrive alignment tool

i just did my shift cable and the drive came off easily.also went back easily cause i didnt move anything in the gimbal bearing area.

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive alignment tool

The newer alignment bars can be used on the older drives, but the older bars must be modified (machined) to allow for the different Merc couplers. Here is the link to the modification.<br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Bullet/92/92_09.pdf

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Outdrive alignment tool

Don, thanks for the definitive answer (again).<br /><br />Looks like I'm fine either way (older boat) but might save somebody else a headache if they find themselves in a situation where they might pick up an older tool for a newer boat.