Coupler Runout

[300sflyer]

How much runout is acceptable on a Bravo coupler? Today I was double checking the alignment I had done last week after running up the new engines I bought. When I went to stick the bar in, it was tight going in, with grease marks just on top. I got my wife to bump the starter, 90, 180 and 270, and sure enough the alignment changes slightly.

I got her to hold the key on for a couple of turns, [ignition disabled] and I watched the coupler with a flashlight through the gimble bearing. The runout is just noticeable, with my eye.

Is this acceptable, or will it cause a problem later on?

Thanks,

 

[Don S]

Re: Coupler Runout

Check it with the alignment bar, if it's the bar feels the same at 0-90-180-270, then the coupler is ok. If it changes, the coupler is bad.
Were these new couplers?

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Coupler Runout

Being how the center hub is rubber mounted and flexible I would expect a little runout, But if it varies greatly I agree with Don-bad coupler 'nutcase

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Coupler Runout

Yes, these are brand new couplers. Noticeable change in effort to ensert the bar as the engine"s" rotate.

Do I need to change them out? Installing two new engines was a fair bit of work, and I hate the thought of having to remove them, to install 2 new couplers, especially if they are going to be no different.

 

[Don S]

Re: Coupler Runout

I would sure replace them. Were they aftermarket or OEM. If after market, which company? Some have better warranty than others.

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Coupler Runout

They are OEM. http://www.mercurymarine.com/_media/pdfs/productbrochures/899883260_357MagBrvo4V_SS.pdf

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Coupler Runout

I'm no expert, or professional boat tech., but run out is run out. I'm in manufacturing, where my parts demand run-out specs within the .002" range. If you rotated your engine like you said, and you have run-out, vs. mis-alignment, I would go straight back to where you bought it. I can't begin to tell you how quality has suffered over the past 10 years. I just don't put up with it any more. If it's their problem, make them get it right !

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Coupler Runout

Update:

After getting in touch with Mercury Marine, they told me to take the boat to a Merc authorized dealer, for them to take a look at it. Sure enough, the mechanic confirmed one coupler is indeed bad. The dealer ordered a new one and it should be installed this week. Parts and labor covered by warranty.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Coupler Runout

Update:

After getting in touch with Mercury Marine, they told me to take the boat to a Merc authorized dealer, for them to take a look at it. Sure enough, the mechanic confirmed one coupler is indeed bad. The dealer ordered a new one and it should be installed this week. Parts and labor covered by warranty.

WOW, Thanks for the update, Sounds like you kind of got lucky with this one in the end.

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Coupler Runout

I suppose that is one way to look at it... But then again when someone spends well over 10K for two new engines, one expects to get what you paid for. If not, then I think they have an obligation to make it right, and to Mercury Marines credit, they have done so in my case.

 

[Don S]

Re: Coupler Runout

But then again when someone spends well over 10K for two new engines, one expects to get what you paid for.

That's one of those things that you never mentioned in your post, and why Merc warrented them and the labor.
Over the years, I have had maybe half a dozen couplers on brand new engine packages be bad. This is with both Merc and Volvo engines, not just one or the other, and I used to install new engines and drive packages in boats about 6 to 8 a year for many years.
It didn't take me long to learn to sit the engine in the boat, and do the alignment, BEFORE any thing else was hooked up.

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Coupler Runout

This has certainly been a learning experience for me, and if I ever install any new engines or couplers again, I will certainly do that.

Thanks for your help !