Is my coupler off ? looks like it and drive won't go back in ..

[ilove2fixx]

hi guys well im exhausted and beat trying to get the darn drive back in. Im pretty sure its way off. I can see the coupler raised from the bottom, im assuming engine is to high ?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... That want they make alignment bars for, to see how far, in which direction,.....

 

[ilove2fixx]

Ayuh,..... That want they make alignment bars for, to see how far, in which direction,.....

does it look off to you bondo ?

 

[Scott06]

does it look off to you bondo ?

You need an alignment tool to determine if the alignment is off Cant tell from photos.

put grease on the tool, put it into the coupler , the coupler will leave witness marks or marks in the grease to allow you to tell if it is centered. If you google mercruiser alignment tool you can find them relatively cheaply . If coupler is indeed high you need to raise your front engine mounts.

when you try to install the drive are you making sure the shift linakge is lined up, drive is in forward with pressure kept on prop in CCW direction so you can turn the prop and thus inout shaft to align the splines?

 

[ilove2fixx]

You need an alignment tool to determine if the alignment is off Cant tell from photos.

put grease on the tool, put it into the coupler , the coupler will leave witness marks or marks in the grease to allow you to tell if it is centered. If you google mercruiser alignment tool you can find them relatively cheaply . If coupler is indeed high you need to raise your front engine mounts.

when you try to install the drive are you making sure the shift linakge is lined up, drive is in forward with pressure kept on prop in CCW direction so you can turn the prop and thus inout shaft to align the splines?

yes everything is aligned but i think if i can rotate the drive it might go in. But i tried moving the prop CCW bit it wouldnt move at all? when the drive is out it will move but i have to put a lot of force on the prop to move it and it makes a weird noise is that normal ? as if metal to metal rubbing. i dont remember my old boats being this diff to spin the shaft.

 

[achris]

yes everything is aligned but i think if i can rotate the drive it might go in. But i tried moving the prop CCW bit it wouldnt move at all? when the drive is out it will move but i have to put a lot of force on the prop to move it and it makes a weird noise is that normal ? as if metal to metal rubbing. i dont remember my old boats being this diff to spin the shaft.

Question: Have you checked the alignment with a proper alignment tool?

For instruction on how to use the alignment tool and what to look for, watch the video called "Checking Engine Alignment". You are free to look at the others too.

A couple of new videos.

This post contains Videos I have made. I will continue to add as I make new ones... Setting up the bearing pre-load on later Alpha Ones, Alpha One gen II, and Bravo drives Servicing the water pump impeller in 1966-1991 (MC-1 to Alpha One) drives. Removing Alpha Drive Checking Engine...

forums.iboats.com

Chris....

 

[Bondo]

yes everything is aligned but i think if i can rotate the drive it might go in. But i tried moving the prop CCW bit it wouldnt move at all? when the drive is out it will move but i have to put a lot of force on the prop to move it and it makes a weird noise is that normal ? as if metal to metal rubbing. i dont remember my old boats being this diff to spin the shaft.

Ayuh,..... It takes quite alota force to rotate a dry impeller,.....

 

[Bt Doctur]

Well ,if you had the drive off for service you should have used some KY when you installed the impeller in the pump housing. Never grease or oil

 

[tank1949]

Try hitting alignment bar a few times to see if you can center the inner gimbal bearing. Many times they get out of center as you remove heavy OD. Pray you don't have rotten stringer that sagged after you removed shaft.

 

[ilove2fixx]

Try hitting alignment bar a few times to see if you can center the inner gimbal bearing. Many times they get out of center as you remove heavy OD. Pray you don't have rotten stringer that sagged after you removed shaft.

i doubt it boat is very clean , drive looks new. I think i just gotta rotate the drive but its very hard to do when dry maybe i gotta pump some water to the impeller

 

[tank1949]

i doubt it boat is very clean , drive looks new. I think i just gotta rotate the drive but its very hard to do when dry maybe i gotta pump some water to the impeller

clean doesn't mean no rot. Trust me!

 

[Scott Danforth]

i doubt it boat is very clean , drive looks new. I think i just gotta rotate the drive but its very hard to do when dry maybe i gotta pump some water to the impeller

Use the alignment bar

Listen the the advice from these folks. They are some of the most knowledgeable on the planet

Clean doesn't mean rot free

 

[ilove2fixx]

Use the alignment bar

Listen the the advice from these folks. They are some of the most knowledgeable on the planet

Clean doesn't mean rot free.

well i ordered an alignment tool and for rot i hope not.

 

[Scott Danforth]

well i ordered an alignment tool and for rot i hope not.

if your boat is older than 15 years, its a possibility.

 

[Scott06]

well i ordered an alignment tool and for rot i hope not.

What year is the boat? Newer ones use less or no structural wood, but older ones can be an issue .

You can check real easy by drilling 1/4" holes into stringers and transom down low. If the wood comes out dry you are fine, plug with 5200 sealant and go boating. If its a new to you boat might be worth a look before spending too much on repairs.

Also the rear mounts can sag as well, but as mentioned first step is to check alignment and go from there.

 

[ilove2fixx]

What year is the boat? Newer ones use less or no structural wood, but older ones can be an issue .

You can check real easy by drilling 1/4" holes into stringers and transom down low. If the wood comes out dry you are fine, plug with 5200 sealant and go boating. If its a new to you boat might be worth a look before spending too much on repairs.

Also the rear mounts can sag as well, but as mentioned first step is to check alignment and go from there.

its a 2003 ebbtide , i read they are all fiberglass ?

 

[ilove2fixx]

Ok i got the Alignment tool and it went in all the way but little hard to get out. I have to give it a good tug. I did see smears on the top of tool and nothing on the bottom

 

[Rick Stephens]

Stick the bar back in and give it a good hard whack with either your hand or a dead blow hammer - Up, Down, Left and Right. That will align the gimbal bearing to the coupler.

Next, pull the bar out and grease it twice as much - a good layer for all 2 inches of the smaller diameter end. Then do your witness mark test. Don't twist it as you pull it out.


Rick

 

[ilove2fixx]

Stick the bar back in and give it a good hard whack with either your hand or a dead blow hammer - Up, Down, Left and Right. That will align the gimbal bearing to the coupler.

Next, pull the bar out and grease it twice as much - a good layer for all 2 inches of the smaller diameter end. Then do your witness mark test. Don't twist it as you pull it out.


Rick

ok will do !

 

[ilove2fixx]

ok i tried hitting it with a rubber mallet many times its a little better but not 2 finger in and out .. also seems like it doesnt seat in all the way only goes into the coupler about an inch , it can go in another inch or 2 if i tap it in with the mwllet but it will be hard to pull out