How to adjust engine alignment 1995 5.7L GenII

[Skidude17]

I got a new to me 1995 SeaRay220 this year with a 5.7L Alpha1GenII drive SN 0F620818 engine SN 0F598365. After checking the engine alignment, there were very light witness marks on the bottom, but clear on all other sides and it was difficult to get the alignment tool in and out. I gave the alignment tool a couple of good palm wacks on all sides to make sure the gimbal is properly seated with the same results following. I’m tracking the engine needs to come down slightly in the front. I don’t have the same setup as Don depicted here https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng.../623923-mercruiser-3-0-front-mount-adjustment
The whole engine is on a rubber mount with a triangular tang (outlined in green) at the bottom of an aluminum bracket. It appears I have a lock washer holding the bottom of the mount in place. I’m pretty sure I just need to bend the tab back as indicated by the red circle, and turn the bottom nut counterclockwise to move the nut and engine down. There is another not on the top of the mount that I failed to get a pic of, but I’m pretty sure once I get the engine aligned, I rebend the tab, and tighten the top nut. Repeat the process with the same amount of turns on the opposite side.
Please let me know if I have this wrong, or I’m missing a step.

 

[Tycer]

I know nothing about that setup. Your logic seems sound. If it were my boat I would do exactly as you say. I would count my turns and document the drop should occasion ever require.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,....... The nuts circled in red are the adjustin' nuts,.....

 

[alldodge]

I’m pretty sure I just need to bend the tab back as indicated by the red circle, and turn the bottom nut counterclockwise to move the nut and engine down. There is another not on the top of the mount that I failed to get a pic of, but I’m pretty sure once I get the engine aligned, I rebend the tab, and tighten the top nut. Repeat the process with the same amount of turns on the opposite side.

You are correct, only step left out is loosen the top nut so you can adjust the bottom nut

 

[76SeaRay]

The triangle piece underneath is a reinforcing gusset meant to help support the weight of the engine to prevent bending the angle piece.

 

[tacx]

I'm confused about which way the front of the engine should be adjusted? I'm no expert but it seems to me that if you have witness marks on the bottom of the alignment tool, shouldn't the front of the engine have to go up? Not down?

 

[Skidude17]

I'm confused about which way the front of the engine should be adjusted? I'm no expert but it seems to me that if you have witness marks on the bottom of the alignment tool, shouldn't the front of the engine have to go up? Not down?

Not according to achris’ Video which is widely accepted.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=w118LGsYgY4

 

[alldodge]

I'm confused about which way the front of the engine should be adjusted? I'm no expert but it seems to me that if you have witness marks on the bottom of the alignment tool, shouldn't the front of the engine have to go up? Not down?

I would agree up

 

[Skidude17]

I'm confused about which way the front of the engine should be adjusted? I'm no expert but it seems to me that if you have witness marks on the bottom of the alignment tool, shouldn't the front of the engine have to go up? Not down?

After reading again, I wasn't clear on the witness marks. There were clear witness marks on all sides but the bottom(which had only light witness marks), so I will be moving the front of the engine down.
On that note, is the engine coming slightly out of alignment that direction an indication of an underlying issue?

 

[alldodge]

Unknown at this point, but of the rear motor mounts are collapsing this would add to the issue

 

[tank1949]

I have done this too many fnnnn times. You should loosen top adjusting nuts and have friend gently lift motor from center of V8. You should have a thermostat lug for lifting. If not, install one. Watch for uneven lifting at mounts, which would indicate one mount has sagged. I suspect natural sagging or worse...ROT in stringer/bases. Get a heavy rubber hammer and go to banging and listening for "thuds." I suspect that your 1995 boat has wooden transom. Don't waste anymore time or money until rot is repaired, if you discover any!!!!! You have to then lower until motor/mounts both touch pilons. Tighten up bottom pilon nuts so that they touch motor mounts. Now, lift motor at thermostat housing and mark when friend is able to insert alignment tool. Keep lifting until friend notices that alignment tool is difficult to pull out. Mark that spot too. Now, lower motor to half way point. If you can, turn over moto flywheel. (just to be sure that wheel is not warped of bolts come loose). Of OK, tighten adjusting nuts. You got out lucky!

 

[Skidude17]

I got it aligned. Took about 6 turns on each side. Drives back on, and waiting to be started. Thanks guys.