Mercruiser 3.0 Alignment Issue

[ArkansasTim]

Hi everyone,
I am attempting to align my 1985 Mercruiser 3.0L. The stringers and everything were just redone, so I have no reference point for around where the alignment should be. I've gone through the entire range of up and downs on the front mount and I've found a range where the alignment tool goes in smoother, but still not great. There seems to be slight bump when I put the tool in, but then it slides in and out fairly smoothly. The grease marks are deeper on the bottom of the tool, even if I raise the engine really high. I've watched videos on how smoothly the tool should go in and out, but they haven't been much help. Am I doing something wrong or should I just try to find the smoothest and most resistance free height in the range I've already found?

Thank you for your help!

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alignment Issue

With the alignment bar in tap it with amallet @ all four axis points and try it again it does sound as if the front of the motor needs to be raised. Pos back!

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alignment Issue

By the grease marks being deeper I assume you mean farther towards the handle of the tool. If this is so, your right that the front is low. With everything rebuilt you may have to shim the front mount to the rib. The way I was taught to tell when things were good was when you can pull the tool back out with a thumb and finger.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alignment Issue

Go through the thread link below, read it all, and watch the video's. Bet you have a better idea of what to look for.

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...utdrives/engine-alignment-how-tos-443992.html

 

[ArkansasTim]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alignment Issue

I may be a bit confused actually. So when I put the tool in and pull it out, there are grease/spline marks all around it, but the marks are deeper on the bottom of the tool (if you are holding horizontally, the way it was inserted). Does this mean I should raise the engine or am I supposed to be looking at the marks on the top and bottom if the tool is held vertically? (like the end of the tool would be the top and the part toward the handle would be the bottom? Thank you guys for the help!

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alignment Issue

, but the marks are deeper on the bottom of the tool

Raise the front of the engine. Half a turn at a time until you get what you want. Don't over-do the adjustment at one time.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alignment Issue

Turn it one way. If it makes it worse, go back and go the other way.

 

[ArkansasTim]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alignment Issue

Thanks guys! I'll go try this again tonight and post back. I just want to get the outdrive on so I can start her up for the first time!