Should I Align My Engine?

isaacs

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 15, 2013
Messages
153
I bought my boat new, it is now fifteen years old. Should I be checking my engine alignment? I've never had any problems and don't feel like spending $120 on an alignment tool just to look for some! Then again, pulling the engine and replacing the coupler is no fun either...
 

Bondo

Moderator
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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Ayuh,.... Find a cheaper alignment bar,....

Checkin' the alignment, whenever the drive is off, is the Best way to head off major problems that ya don't know 'bout yet,....
 

Skipper Sean

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 19, 2017
Messages
124
Proper outdrive to engine alignment is pretty important for your engine coupler?s life span. Running one that is out of whack only contrbutes to throwing good cash into the lake. It should be part of your maintenance at least once a season such as when you would do your water pump impeller. It only takes a few seconds to check it out. Buy the tool it?s worth it.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
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50,230
An alignment bar is $40 (26 plus 14 shipping). A complete kit with bellows, gimbal bearing, alignment bar and bellows tools is only $150
 

ctfolmar

Cadet
Joined
Nov 2, 2017
Messages
11
Engine alignment is something I am not familiar with. Where would I find information on how it's done?
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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71,082
Ayuh,.... Click on the link in my signature that says Don'S Adults Only Section,....

There's also the dimensions of the alignment bar, if ya know somebody with a lathe, build yer own,....
 

ctfolmar

Cadet
Joined
Nov 2, 2017
Messages
11
Ayuh,.... Click on the link in my signature that says Don'S Adults Only Section,....

There's also the dimensions of the alignment bar, if ya know somebody with a lathe, build yer own,....

Thank you very much.
 

isaacs

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 15, 2013
Messages
153
Ayuh,.... Click on the link in my signature that says Don'S Adults Only Section,....

There's also the dimensions of the alignment bar, if ya know somebody with a lathe, build yer own,....

Funny you should mention that. I did know someone with a lathe and had him make a bar for my old boat (probably wouldn't fit this one). I loaned it to someone and that was the last I saw of it.

Thanks to all for the replies--I'll be getting a bar. (Or going to a bar!)
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
I did know someone with a lathe and had him make a bar for my old boat (probably wouldn't fit this one). I loaned it to someone and that was the last I saw of it

Ayuh,.... They're All the same,.....
 
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