488 engine coupler

[iand464]

I have a 83 mercruiser 488 (4bbl 188 hp 470) that spun its engine coupler today. The rubber melted out of it completely. I did check the alignment this spring when the outdrive went on. We were on some prettty rough water and we were bouncing around a bit. Any tips on changing it? I know the drive comes off and engine out. Any thing else to check for? Are 470 couplers made out of platinum and impossible to find like other 470 parts? Or is it a standard part. On another note i may be able to get a boat with a 888 that is very structurally sound but has no outdrive. I know its a different ratio but the hp rating is the same would a 888 over rev with a 3.7l drive and 22p stainless in a 18' ski boat.

 

[Fun Times]

Finding the coupler shouldn't be too difficult. Searching the Mercruiser part number 97432A2 online should help with this. They are even available here on iboats.

http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Ac...11691--keywords.97432A2--session_id.838959977

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...=11&bdesc=CRANKSHAFT,+FLYWHEEL+AND+ALTERNATOR

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/sele...r=488++++(4+BBL.)++MERCURY+224+I/L4+1983-1984

Good luck.

 

[iand464]

Cool thanks for the reply. What would be the best way to check for transom flex? I have a tiny bit on one swim deck on the trailer. Didnt see any on the drive before but will check again. Would there be any issues with using a used coupler from the same vintage as long as the reason it failed was found and corrected?

 

[stonyloam]

Remember the engine does not have to come all the way out. You only have to lift it up enough the move it forward (or the boat back) enough to access the flywheel bolts.

 

[iand464]

Pulled the drive today. I jumped up and down on it before taking it off and didnt detect any flex in the transom or the bottom of the boat. It does seem like one can move the motor around side to side easily kinda rotating it the way the engine torque would, possibly a problem with the aft motor mounts? T he ones pressed into the belhousing. Can they be easily hammered out? I want to find out why my coupler melted before i melt its replacement. I have a alignment bar and will be doing that. I have a small boat for the much loved 488 so it cant go forward because of a bench seat. It goes over 50 and been relaible up til now.

 

[mr 88]

Your bellows may have a rip in them which allows water into your gimbal bearing and if that went it will in short time take out the coupler as well.