alignment

[memaw777]

I decided to post a new thread about my problem hopefuly I will explain it better this time. This is a 350 260 hp mercruiser. I had the motor replaced the alignment was good before. But the spring washers were not there I am pretty sure the motor was never out of the boat before now it had 400 hours on it when I got it now has 1750. So the mechanic put the spring washers in he had to add wood to the blocks also maxed out the front mounts raised it at least an inch maybe more. My alignment tool goes in but it is tight I thought you were supposed to be able to push in and out with two fingers. Is the only thing I can do raise the front more it appears to be to high in the back. But if I raise it in front wont it be setting at an angle to the gimbal bearing?

 

[Don S]

Re: alignment

I had the motor replaced the alignment was good before But the spring washers were not there

When (Year) was the motor replaced? Where the rear mounts replaced? Was the coupler replaced with the engine?<br />Did you try to turn the engine 90° and 180° to see if the alignment changed? Could indicate a bad coupling.

 

[Bondo]

Re: alignment

Originally posted by Bondo:<br /> What is the Diagnosis on the Drive that was Run WithOut Oil,..????.......<br /><br />The Spring Washers do 2 things,........<br /><br />1),.... The Most Obvious,.. They're to Space the motor Up.......<br /><br />2),.... They're also a part of the Continuity System,... Or Continuous Grounding of All the Metal Parts of the Drive System........<br /><br />3),.... Yes,.. They Have to be there.........

I Still would like to know about What the Verdict is on the Outdrive being Run Without Oil for a Half an Hour..........<br /><br />'Cause,... Like Bomar Said,......<br />

Originally posted by bomar76:<br /> Alingment is the least of your worries....as Bondo and Don advised you you need to tear the drive down and see what you FUBAR'ed when it was run for 30 minutes w/o drive lube.

 

[Don S]

Re: alignment

Even if the drive is off and being replaced later, even next spring, it has nothing to do with the alignment and why it is out.

 

[memaw777]

Re: alignment

The drive is being looked at no news yet.motor was replaced last week yes new mounts and couplerI just want to get the alignment right.

 

[trog100]

Re: alignment

the height at the back has to be correct.. so does the central positioning.. if the height at the back isnt correct no amount of up and downing with the front mount will get the engine coupling both parallel and inline with the drive shaft as it should be..<br /><br />why dont u let your mechanic who fitted the engine sort it..???<br /><br />trog

 

[memaw777]

Re: alignment

The height at the back changed when he put the spring washers in so does that mean I should take them out. This boat was perfectly aligned b4.

 

[trog100]

Re: alignment

just my thought on this alignment thing.. slip it in and out with tow fingers..??? pretty precise adjustment is required to do this.. especially with a new coupleing and shaft.. thow i spose the tool could be slightly smaller than the yoke shaft..<br /><br />the way i see it.. when the motor is bunging out its full horsepower at 4800 rpm transmitting all that torque.. being as its sat on flexible rubber mountings no way is it gonna be in exactly the same place as that "two fingered" alignment.. <br /><br />also when my four banger is wobbling from side to side when the motor is idling it aint gonna be so perfectly positioned or aligned either..<br /><br />it also explains why boats used for lots of low speed trolling are supposed to be fitted with heavy duty steel splined couplings..<br /><br />is this "two fingered" thing not overkill.. just my thoughts..<br /><br />dont bite my head off.. he he<br /><br />trog

 

[Don S]

Re: alignment

motor was replaced last week yes new mounts

Geez, after reading your original post, it sounded like the engine was replaced at 400 hours and it now has 1750 hours and suddenly has an alignment problem. This is exactly why 'EXACT' information is needed to determine the cause and cure of a problem<br />That is why I asked WHEN and IF the rear mounts were changed.<br />In either late 2003 or 2004 Mercruiser changed their rear motor mounts. (I'll look it up and post the bulletin later-- not tonight) They no longer use the double lock washer (Spring) between the mount and the inner transom shield. They do still use the fiber washer. The other problem is that in some cases a "Shim Kit" is needed to get these new mounts to work properly. To make it worse, it's trial and error to find out if you need the shim or not.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: alignment

Don. Do you think you could train rookie marine mechanics in the slow off season so the rest of us would only have a problem repaired once. Ketchikan, Alaska does not have any idea how good they have it with you available. Thanks for the mechanic classes. It is deeply appreciated.

 

[memaw777]

Re: alignment

Sorry Don I thought I was giving all info I appreciate your input I would just like to get this thing aligned so maybe I would be better off taking the springs out and let the front back down since it was aligned without the springs B4.

 

[Don S]

Re: alignment

There are service bulletins and updates to the service bulletins about the fiber washers, there are instructions with the new mounts and instructions for the shim kit. Hopefully I have covered everything in these 2 pictures.<br />First thing you have to do is identify the mounts. <br /><br />

<br /><br />Then put it together "WITHOUT" the shim washer and see if it will align. If not, put in the shim washer and try it again.<br /><br />

 

[memaw777]

Re: alignment

Thanks Don so here's where I'm at. The motor mounts are the new style but he also put in the spring washers and raised the the front of the motor one to one and a half inches and the alignment is sill to low in the front. Is it possible to go higher with the front and be in line or is it going to be too much of an angle. Or should should I take the the washers out and try to get the front back where it was. If so will I have to pull the motor again or can I just unbolt it and raise it enough to get the washers and wood blocks out.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: alignment

Sure sounds like those washers need to come out...I don't see why you would need to remove the engine....Just unbolt & raise it like you said..I'm sure Don has your answer.....JK

 

[Don S]

Re: alignment

You will NEVER get it aligned with the spring washers in there, the back of the engine MUST be in the proper location to get it aligned. You will probably have to put the front back where it was, and you may or may not need the shims.<br />You will need to lift the back of the engine to get the springs out, and possibly put the shim in.