Need Help Quick - Engine Alignment

[chaddeems]

OK i got the alignment and started slowly moving the mounts until it slid in effortlessely but then when i rotated the engine it was alot harder to go in. The crank, flywheel, and coupler are original and in good shape. i cleaned up the mating surfaces so they would sit flat. The gimbal bearing is new. I could not torque the coupler on but the bolts are as equally tight as i can get. My question is this: could this be from the gimbal bearing not aligned and how do i do that? Also if everything is original and cleaned then that should not be the problem? Does the fact that i could not torque the coupler be a problem? Could one bolt being tighter cause it to not sit flat. I need help soon or i am just going to put the outdrice back on for the trip next week and hope it works.

 

[cosander]

Re: Need Help Quick - Engine Alignment

make sure the tool is going completly in. I used the tool to move my gimbal bearing back and forth till it lined up with the coupler then I move the front mount till it lined up. The gimbal moves like an eye in a socket

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Need Help Quick - Engine Alignment

Like cosander said, to set the gimbal bearing, put the alignment tool through the bearing and "hit" the tool sideways at ninety degree intervals. That will insure the gimbal bearing is fully seated where it should be. Unless you have a burr or something similar under the coupler, I doubt not torqueing the bolts down has an affect on the alignment. It is possible your coupler is bent or otherwise out of round... but i would suspect the gimbal bearing first.

 

[chaddeems]

Re: Need Help Quick - Engine Alignment

I tried hitting the tool to straighten the bearing but how hard do i have to hit it. Also is it if out just a little will that ruin my coupler of it is adjusted only on one half of the engine. I read an earlier post that said to try to get to the middle of the road between the two sides of the engine so it is equall all around. if i do that would i be safe?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Need Help Quick - Engine Alignment

As long as it goes in without "too much" effort, (and I realize that is subjective), then, yes, you should be safe splitting the difference.

 

[chaddeems]

Re: Need Help Quick - Engine Alignment

"Too Much" is very subjective. It has always gone most of the way relatively easy and with it adjusted is goes in perfect. When i turn the engine it is very hard to get it in. Do i hit the tool when it is in the coupler to align the bearing. How hard and how do i know when it is right?

 

[cosander]

Re: Need Help Quick - Engine Alignment

i moved the tool around with the end through the gimbal but not quite to the coupler for adjustments. the gimbal is designed to move so if it doesn't you have other problems.

 

[cosander]

Re: Need Help Quick - Engine Alignment

http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm <br />incase you dont have this link

 

[Don S]

Re: Need Help Quick - Engine Alignment

As long as you are sure the mating surfaces were clean when you installed it, It's a defective coupler, I get maybe 1 or 2 a year that have the center part installed off center slightly. Only thing you can do is replace it.