Alignment tool vs driveshaft

[H20Rat]

So I decided to pull the drive off my 1994 merc 4.3l Alpha Gen II deck boat this weekend for a general inspection. Happy to say the gimbal bearing and u joint were in great shape, lots of grease, no water, no play or noise whatsoever. The drive was also very easy to reinstall, I slid it on until it stopped, put a little pressure on the prop to rotate the splines, and it easily slipped all the way on.

So my question is, is it worth checking the alignment with an alignment tool? From everything I've seen, people tend to have to tap (or 'mer-kick') the drive back on, especially if alignment is off. Mine couldn't have slid in any easier!

 

[flipbro]

It's a good idea to just buy the tool off eBay and cheak it. Peace of mind.

 

[H20Rat]

Yeah i've got one on the way. The gasket ripped when I pulled it off so it is coming off again anyway, might as well check it while I'm there.

 

[alldodge]

It's a good idea to have the tool, but will say that if it slides right on with very little effort, your good IMO

 

[flipbro]

I also agree if it slide in as we'll as you say it's more then likely good.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Me too, sliding all the way by hand.No foot, sledge, 6x6 , 8x8 ,etc.

 

[bruceb58]

I had an OMC cobra that would slide on and off easily but when I finally bought a tool and checked alignment, it was way off. Definitley should be using an alignment tool every time you pull your drive.

 

[H20Rat]

Made it out to the boat with alignment tool in and, and the tool confirmed what the driveshaft was telling me. Went in perfectly, and left even spline imprints in the grease.