Alignment tool question

[lighthousealarms]

I need some advise. I purchased an aftermarket alignment tool so I could complete the annual outdrive service on my 1994 Rinker 7.4 w/ BravoII myself. However, when I tried to use it today, it would not even start to enter the spine portion of the engine half. I had a reputable dealer do the service last year, and they said everything was aligned perfectly, so I am surprised that it has gotten out of alignment that bad in one season. I proceeded to raise the front of the engine using the engine mount adjusters. After several turns of the adjuster nut, the tool still will not even start to enter the spine area. Now I am starting to question whether the tool is not the right size. Does anyone know the precise diameter of the correct tool so I can meter mine and see if it is correct? Also, assuming it is correct, is there something I am doing wrong in trying to get the engine properly aligned? Thanks for your help.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Alignment tool question

Take a look at the bottom of this link for the alignment bar size.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=329915

You may need to set the alignment of the gimbal bearing by tapping from side to side and up and down, ect, As you are trying to make the bar go all the way in.

Are you using the spline grease from mercruiser while try to do this job? It's number 4 in this next link. http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...se.png&inbr=100000&bnbr=1&bdesc=GREASE+&+LUBE

 

[lighthousealarms]

Re: Alignment tool question

Yes I am using grease when I try to insert the tool. But it will not even start into the spline area. I can feel it tapping against the outer edge of the spline area. I could not find any measurements on the post you sent. Could you help me out on this? Thanks.

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Alignment tool question

Yes I am using grease when I try to insert the tool. But it will not even start into the spline area. I can feel it tapping against the outer edge of the spline area. I could not find any measurements on the post you sent. Could you help me out on this? Thanks.

The OEM Part Number for the tool is 91-805475A1, that being said, it's the same as the Alpha tool.

If I remember right, the first diameter is 1.010" X 2.75" long. Second is 1.050" (maybe 1.50 going from memory here) X 2.75" long. Third is 1.375" Diameter X the length of the tool.

If you installed a new gimbal bearing, rock it around to make sure it's seated properly. It doesn't sound right that you're having that much trouble, under the circumstances you describe.

I have a print I can PM or Email you...let me know.

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Alignment tool question

Found my drawing...here you go;

BTW...the second diameter is 1.150".

Link; http://s977.photobucket.com/albums/ae255/rsl4fbkt/?action=view&current=Alignmenttool_0001_0001.jpg

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Alignment tool question

Yes I am using grease when I try to insert the tool. But it will not even start into the spline area. I can feel it tapping against the outer edge of the spline area. I could not find any measurements on the post you sent. Could you help me out on this? Thanks.

Did you scroll down a little bit, You should have seen Dimensions for making your own alignment bar, It is half way down after opening this link up.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=329915

 

[Don S]

Re: Alignment tool question

I could not find any measurements on the post you sent. Could you help me out on this? Thanks.

Did you click on the first link boat tech posted? if not, then try it.
Then scroll down to the bottom of the post. it's there.

If that doesn't work, then click this button.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Alignment tool question

I had a custom alignment tool made specifically for the problem you are experiencing. The part that fits snugly in the gimbal bearing is a hollow tube. The coupler part of the tool slides inside the tube with a precise fit. With the tube left out, you can put the coupler part of the tool into the coupler easily and then you can immediately tell which way to move the engine to get it aligned. If you are anywhere near southern NH, I'd be happy to lend it to you.

 

[tkrfxr]

Re: Alignment tool question

I would like to see comments on the detailed procedure for aligning a misaligned engine... the manuals can be rather poor at explaining how to proceed....

Is the process the same for Mercs and Volvo?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alignment tool question

Is the process the same for Mercs and Volvo?

Ayuh,... It's the Same for any driveline that needs Aligning...

It ain't Rocket Science,...
Grease the bar,+ slide it in...
Read the grease tracks,...
Adjust up, or down,+ Recheck...

 

[triman]

Re: Alignment tool question

As I recall, generally mis-alignment is corrected by adjusting the front engine mount.
That said, I recently had a minor problem with my alignment and no matter what I did with the front mount I could not get it right.
Reading the grease marks showed me that it looked like the rear end of my engine had to go up about 4mm, an amount that could not be achieved with the front mounts only.

In the end I eased the top nuts on the rear mounts, lifted the rear of the engine about 5mm, slipped in a 4mm spacer and snugged it down, then the alignment bar slid in like it was made for it.

So you may need to look at your rear mounts.

BTW, my engine dropped at the rear because of a minor problem with the longitudinal stringers. Some reinforcement fixed that

 

[Simoniz]

Re: Alignment tool question

Did you click on the first link boat tech posted? if not, then try it.
Then scroll down to the bottom of the post. it's there.

If that doesn't work, then click this button.

May I ask,

Is this alignment tool good for Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive (on the back of Merc 3,0l)?

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Alignment tool question

May I ask,

Is this alignment tool good for Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive (on the back of Merc 3,0l)?

Yes, The alignment bar tool will work fine for this set up also.