Here it is. I removed both engines from my boat a couple years ago and just got to finishing and installing the new ones a couple weeks ago. First engine went in no problem. Minor adjustment needed but the alignment tool slides in. Engin 2 goes in and it appears to be sitting slightly too high. I replaced all motor mounts but adjusted them close to the original settings. Also had to replace the bushings in the plates on the rear of the engines with the new quicksilver setups that have the knurled bottoms. Both engines were installed with just the stainless washer and thick soft washer under the bushings as the directions suggested is the new normal. The bigger soft washer spins freely so I know its not pinched on top of the stainless washer. Could the front be that much too low? Is there something else I should be looking at? Note that this was a complete long block swap so everything was removed and reinstalled on both engines.
Make sure you don't have any transom or stringer mount rot. If you have ANY, you should stop and replace rotten wood, re-glass, etc. Trust me!!!!!!
I had problems one time due to not seeing a part of the back motor mounts getting bumped off while trying to lower engine onto mount. I believe it was the spring, but it may have been the washer. I can't remember. Anyway, I assumed my coupler had warped due to rotten transom. I replaced transom. WRONG. I finally recognized part in the bilge and successfully installed and aligned motor, with new unneeded coupler. Another problem maybe your Gimbal bearing might have gotten bumped and got out of alignment when you pulled OD. It happens. You will have to insert alignment tool and keep bumping tool from side to side and then visually inspect shaft using grease as an index mark. Sometimes this works fast. Sometimes it doesn't. If you have an A-frame hoist, you can attach a coffin hoist to front of motor to easier raise or lower motor. Good luck!
