New Engine... Need alignment?

[Raypex]

I am putting in a new engine this spring.
It is an exact replacement re-man. Will I need to check alignment? I was careful not to disturb the front mounts when I removed the old one. My thinking is that all should be the same.
1989 Mercruiser 4.3l alpha one, gen one.
I do not own an alignment tool and kinda don't wish to spent the $$$ or make one.
Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: New Engine... Need alignment?

I am putting in a new engine this spring.
It is an exact replacement re-man. Will I need to check alignment? I was careful not to disturb the front mounts when I removed the old one. My thinking is that all should be the same.
1989 Mercruiser 4.3l alpha one, gen one.
I do not own an alignment tool and kinda don't wish to spent the $$$ or make one.
Thanks!

Ayuh,... Ya can roll the dice, or do it Right....

Your choice...

'course, if yer wrong, ya only gotta pull the motor again, 'n drop in a new $300. coupler...

I would Align it, ANY time the motor is disturbed...

 

[Don S]

Re: New Engine... Need alignment?

Will I need to check alignment?

Absolutely

I do not own an alignment tool and kinda don't wish to spent the $$$ or make one.

Alignment bars are around 40 bucks on ebay. Couplers are 200-300 bucks, and that is what is going to fail is something changes. your choice.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: New Engine... Need alignment?

You could tow your boat to the local marine shop, have em check it for ya, call em 1st. Unless they are really out for blood, they shouldnt charge more then $10-$15 IMHO., It would only take em 2 min.... If it needs to be aligned , thats a diff story.

 

[Raypex]

Re: New Engine... Need alignment?

You guys are right again, I really need to do this right and only once! I was leaning towards buying the tool and did not expect a "sure no problem, put it in!" response.
I will buy the tool or maybe bring it in before I mount the drive to be sure.
Should I just replace the coupler? It is 22 years old and I don't know its history.
Thanks and AYUH!(Bond-o)

 

[Don S]

Re: New Engine... Need alignment?

Should I just replace the coupler?

If the splines look ok, no reason to replace it. The alignment should be checked at least yearly, and every time you remove the drive. It's how you find something is going bad before it breaks. Kinda like checkin your oil.

 

[Raypex]

Re: New Engine... Need alignment?

Thank you. The help found here is greatly needed and appreciated.

 

[boatdiver2011]

Re: New Engine... Need alignment?

It might be just me, I tend to be a little overly cautious, but I would replace the engine coupler being 22 y/o. Even if the splines are good, there is a lot of rubber there to crack and dry rot. I replaced mine last year when I had the engine out for work. I get piece of mind knowing everything is good.