Do I need to align???

[bosshossmc]

I have a 1993 VIP Vision 1760 with a 3.0L and a alpha 1 Gen 2 drive. I am in the process af replacing the stringers and floor and had to remove the motor to do so. I had heard that you need to align the motor to the drive. Does this only apply when removing the drive from the boat? From what I can see is that in order to align the motor with the gimbal I would need to remove the outdrive. Correct? As I see it I am just bolting the motor back to the bellhousing which hasn't moved and the drive hasent either. Everything should be good. Am I getting this right? Thanks

 

[achris]

Re: Do I need to align???

I hope you're removing the drive BEFORE you remove the engine!

Alignment. Should be checked each year at service, and MUST be checked when the engine is refitted, particularly if hull work was done...

 

[boat127]

Re: Do I need to align???

yes you need to align especally if your re doin the stringers. if you dont check your alignment and your alignment is out of whack well you will be pullin the motor and changing the coupler and the coupler is not cheap

 

[bosshossmc]

Re: Do I need to align???

I didn't remove the drive first. I had no problems or binding issues when I removed the motor. Unbolted bell housing, front mounts, hooked to hoist and slid foward. 15 minutes and she was sitting in the corner of the garage. Guess I'll bring the prints for the alignment tool into work and make one up on the lathe. Why should you pull the drive first?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Do I need to align???

Why should you pull the drive first?

Ayuh,... Because you could have left the flywheel cover on the motor,+ just removed the 2 big bolts from the transom plate...
Then the motor is lifted Straight up...
It's generally Easier to do it as designed...

Btw,... Doing the stringers, in essence, moves the foreward motor mounts...
Meaning Alignment is a Must Do when goin' back together...

 

[Don S]

Re: Do I need to align???

Why should you pull the drive first?

It prevents damage to the coupler. Besides, pulling the drive is a basic yearly maintenance item. It takes about 10 minutes to pull a drive.

 

[achris]

Re: Do I need to align???

I didn't remove the drive first. I had no problems or binding issues when I removed the motor. Unbolted bell housing, front mounts, hooked to hoist and slid foward. 15 minutes and she was sitting in the corner of the garage. Guess I'll bring the prints for the alignment tool into work and make one up on the lathe. Why should you pull the drive first?

You have no idea how many couplers, yokes and gimbal bearings I've seen destroyed because someone thought they knew better that the manufacturer....

 

[bosshossmc]

Re: Do I need to align???

maybe so, but as a mechanic for 15 years i have found many ways of doing things far more quickly and easier than the manufacturers proceeders. As they say "theres more than 1 way to skin a cat". I do see how leaving the bellhousing attached would be quicker, but I was not familier with the option.

 

[Don S]

Re: Do I need to align???

maybe so, but as a mechanic for 15 years i have found many ways of doing things far more quickly and easier than the manufacturers proceeders.

Did you look at Mercruisers procedures? I do agree, but until you know what the procedures actually are, how do you know if your way is faster?

I do see how leaving the bellhousing attached would be quicker, but I was not familier with the option.

Not familiar with Mercruiser OEM Service Manuals either are you.

 

[bosshossmc]

Re: Do I need to align???

touche.

 

[achris]

Re: Do I need to align???

touche.

Not 'touche'... We are trying to help you avoid a monumental f... up. Because that's the path you're currently on.. And if you don't want to listen to the combined experience of (around) several hundred YEARS... then you are being a little short-sighted....

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Do I need to align???

Sometimes the faster way is not the best way,I've done it your way,had to do it twice and buy the coupler

 

[achris]

Re: Do I need to align???

I can CONCRETE GUARANTEE that taking the drive off and lifting the engine complete with the flywheel housing is WAY quicker than removing the flywheel housing bolts while the engine is still in the boat. And does not run the risk of damage to the coupler.

Unless there is a corrosion issue I can have an engine out of a boat in under 2 hours. It takes 6 minutes to remove a drive...

What's more, the drive has to come off anyway to do the alignment on re-install....

WHY DO PEOPLE INSIST THAT THEY KNOW MORE THAN THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT THE DAMN THING!?!?!? READ THE F..ING MANUAL!!!

Chris.........

 

[bosshossmc]

Re: Do I need to align???

I hear ya. When I removed the engine it came straight out to the bow, no lifting, the boat was gutted.

I take everything you guys say as good advice and don't mean to disrespect anyone who wrote the manual. Hind sight in 20/20. Next time I do a power plant I will be sure to leave the bell housing attached. I did remove the drive. First one ever, pretty quick. Have to work on my time, right over 8 min, motor was out in 15. Granted all the wiring and plumbing were off for the most part. Thanks for the input. Got to go get a piece of tool stock on the lathe and turn an alignment tool.

 

[achris]

Re: Do I need to align???

.... Granted all the wiring and plumbing were off for the most part. .....

That's the bit that takes time... The lifting only takes a few minutes... It's the:

disconnect batteries
disconnect & plug fuel line
disconnect water inlet
disconnect shift cables and throttle cable
loosen exhaust clamps
disconnect oil monitor bottle
disconnect trim sender wires
disconnect power steering hoses

It all this that takes time.....

Have you downloaded the engine and drive manuals yet?

Chris........

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Do I need to align???

I suggest taking the bellhousing off and putting it on the engine before installing. Much easier. You can also evaluate the condition of the rear mounts before reinstalling.

Then put everything back on the engine before putting it in and aligning. Should look something like this when reinstalling:

 

[bosshossmc]

Re: Do I need to align???

I will reinstall the bell housing prior to installation.