Mercruiser 302 engine alignment

[jmoorepghpa]

I'm going to have the motor out of my '76 cobalt this spring along with the gimbal housing removed. I have seen Mercruiser engine alignment tools on the internet. Should I buy one and do this myself or am I better off paying the marine shop to do this for me? The service manual is pretty specific about how to do it but I kind of get the feeling it may not be a simple as all that.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 302 engine alignment

Ayuh,....

If you're pulling the Motor,+ the rest of the driveline,...
And, Putting it back together,.....
It Will be just a simple as it is explained......

No Rocket Science here,..... Just Common Sense........

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 302 engine alignment

Yup, buy the tool as you really should check the alignment at least once a year to insure it's still good.....​

 

[jmoorepghpa]

Re: Mercruiser 302 engine alignment

Cool - thanks.

 

[wcsparky05]

Re: Mercruiser 302 engine alignment

that tool is available for rent...typically $100 down and $80 back upon return. i am about to attempt the same procedure! good luck.

 

[Dshow]

Re: Mercruiser 302 engine alignment

You can buy them on Ebay for ~$20 plus shipping. Search on "Engine Alignment Tool" and look for a seller with a good feedback rating.

 

[jmoorepghpa]

Re: Mercruiser 302 engine alignment

Im gonna go ahead and order one. The manual says coat the tool with grease but I have some Prussian Blue dye that is used as a telltale when they grind and seat water and steam valves. I used it in the Navy and I would think it would be perfect for this job.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Mercruiser 302 engine alignment

The manual says coat the tool with grease

mercruiser coupler grease is blue too and will leave a nice pattern for you to observe. + it's what yer supposed to lub the coupler with. so yer kinda doing two things at once. checking alignment while lubeing it.... with the prussion blue, i'd think ya'd have to clean it up then relub.....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 302 engine alignment

Ayuh,.....

I've never seen a Dye that'll show the Depth of engagement.....

I think Grease is a Better Choice.....