Cant align engine

[zsites]

I finally got my engine alignment tool in and began to work on it last night. I was unable to insert the tool easily into the coupler even after lots of adjustment. I can find where there are grease marks on the top of the tool and the bottom. Adjust it between there and still wont insert. The marks are directly on top and bottom of tool. Nothing side to side. Is there anything else I should look for as far as rear motor mounts being bad, coupler?? (Alpha 1, mercruiser 120)

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Cant align engine

i curious to what your problem is, hope somebody can help you so i will bump this back up.

 

[shu5720]

Re: Cant align engine

I fought the same issue with mine for a while. I'm sure some of the experts have more experience but I would suggest making sure the gimbal bearing was aligned made all the difference in the world. Try tapping it (with the tool partially inserted) in all four directions to center it and/or try moving it slightly in the direction needed to align it. If you insert the tool slowly you can feel the direction of the misalignment. Best of luck.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Cant align engine

Adjust it between there and still wont insert

Huh? what won't insert... the drive?

 

[zsites]

Re: Cant align engine

After another evening of frustration, I realized that my alignment tool may not be exactly straight. Took it to a machine shop today and found my guess to be correct. Im going to shorten the tool up a little but i think it will still turn out ok. So its no wonder why i could never get it straight. I just never thought to turn the tool...

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Cant align engine

would have never guessed that. had to be bent not turned that way.

 

[zsites]

Re: Cant align engine

ok, I got the alignment tool turned down and shortened yesterday so that it is now straight. My question is exactly how much pressure should it take to insert and remove the tool once you think it is aligned. There is even spline marks 360 in the grease on the tool. And yes, i also turned the motor.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Cant align engine

As far as force is concerned I use a input shaft to check it and very mild pushing (2 fingers)seats it fully. The drive installs with no pressure at all.
Get it right or end up replacing the coupler.
When you removed the drive , did it literally fall off?
Y: alignment ok, N: allignment off or corrosion present
Sometime when a gimbal bearing is replaced it needs some wiggle to get the alignment bar in fully.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Cant align engine

just did mine very little force needed,there is a special spline grease for coupler
not to be used to for anything else. i couldnt turn motor as i have no acccess to pulley bolt due to solid mount will spin it when i hook up starter today and recheck. I will upoad pics later.