How to use alignment bar?

[chuck in WA]

If this is as simple as it would seem, I'll feel pretty stupid for asking the question, but here goes:

I don't have an alignment bar. I currently have the Merc outdrive off my 140. I plan to trailer the boat in the next few weeks to get some new trailer tires put on, and I'd like to swing by my parts shop while I'm out to see if they'll let me use their alignment bar. Do I just insert it all the way up into the engine coupling splines? What am I looking for? Thanks!

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: How to use alignment bar?

You install it far enough to bottom-out against the coupler. The end 3" or so goes into the splines. If you need a hammer to drive it in, it's out of alignment ( don't use a hammer to drive it in ). Alignment is achieved when the tool can be slid in-and-out easily with no binding.

 

[95yj]

Re: How to use alignment bar?

Install rear engine mounting bolts and torque to 35-40 ft-lbs.
Insert alignment tool. If it will not slide in and out easily, further adjustment is required.
Raise and lower front of engine until tool can be slid in and out easily.

DO NOT force alignment tool.
DO NOT raise or lower engine with alignment tool in place.

Adjust front motor mount nuts and relieve tension from hoist.
Recheck with alignment tool.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: How to use alignment bar?

Even if the alignment bar goes in, it doesn't mean it is aligned yet.

What I do is coat the end of the alignment bar with grease, put it in and pull it out and look at where the grease is scraped off. I adjust the engine mounts accordingly.

I then turn the engine 180 degrees and check again in the same manner, Some people check at 90 degree increments.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: How to use alignment bar?

The Mercruiser Installation manual is VERY specific on alignment.

/ / / / /

The below is excerpted from Mercruiser manual 90-860172971 896


CAUTION

To avoid damage to gimbal bearing, engine coupler, or alignment tool:

* DO NOT attempt to force alignment tool!

* DO NOT raise or lower engine with the alignment tool inserted (or partially inserted) in gimbal bearing or coupler.

b. Attempt to insert the solid end of the alignment tool thru the gimbal bearing and into the engine coupler splines.

c. If the tool does not fit, remove it and carefully raise or lower the front end of the engine, as necessary, and attempt to insert the alignment tool.

d. Repeat step "c" until the alignment tool installs easily (SLIDES FREELY WITH TWO FINGERS) all the way into and out of the engine coupler splines. Do not check by turning.

/ / / / / /


This and other manuals are are available online from Here:
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/mainmenu.pdf



Chuck, are you going to be the first one over the new Narrows bridge?



Cheers,

Rick

 

[bruceb58]

Re: How to use alignment bar?

I have found that even if the bar slides in easily with 2 fingers, there s still adjustment that can be done.

It is possible that what I do is overkill...just seems more precise.

 

[chuck in WA]

Re: How to use alignment bar?

Thanks gents, good info. If everything is in alignment, sounds pretty easy. I've had this boat (1985 Searay) for 3 years and have never done this, so perhaps it's time. But hey, after 22 years, what could POSSIBLY go wrong?!

Rick - Sure, I'll volunteer to be the first one over the bridge! Maybe you'll see me on the front page of the news in August (with either a LARGE or small headline, ha ha). Are you an Alaska guy? I fly out of McChord AFB in Lakewood.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: How to use alignment bar?

Never know until you check it. My boat is 20 years old and was still very close to being aligned.One slight adjustment and the bar slid right in with even looking grease marks on it..At least that tells me the motor mounts hadn't moved...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: How to use alignment bar?

Chuck,

I sent you a PM

 

[yamamarinetech40]

Re: How to use alignment bar?

Bruce, you're right, the grease scrape is the only way to go....should see the spline marks in the grease evenly all the way 'round