Got my new to me saltwater boat together after many new parts and drive was howling at higher speeds, no noise at idle, except at one trim position. This didn't seem right and no-one would buy a boat with mercruiser if it made this noise. I checked the alignment and rear motor mounts too low to align. I don't think it was ever correct from factory unless old mounts sagged, 1999 boat. Pulled motor installed new jagged edge mounts. Compared old mount to new, with 0.1" spacer, and the new mounts are still slightly lower, < 0.1". Mercruiser did this to improve alignment so they felt a little lower was better. Before I tear into my motor boxes I need to know that the inner and outer transom plates or gimbal assembly are tied together so I cannot adjust the inner plate up some. The holes are slotted and I see 1/4" clearance on bottom of bolts but it looks like there is a tight fit between two circular parts at drive shaft area to align them correctly.
So the question is can I move the inner plate up and down or is it fixed to gimbal housing?
(I think I know but was hoping to not have to lower motor 1/2" as it is already so tough to work on, about 1/2" between boat and manifolds. In a different forum someone mentioned machining mounts but they are only a little over 1/2" thick and rubber goes all the way through so that doesn't seem correct.)
How would I check the old mounts for sagging, already removed? They feel very tight. Can I put them in a vice and push down on center carefully?
Looks like I will be very good at pulling this motor. Kind of a pain having to remove exhaust each time, especially with the antifreeze cooling I added, to get to mounts.
Thanks.
So the question is can I move the inner plate up and down or is it fixed to gimbal housing?
(I think I know but was hoping to not have to lower motor 1/2" as it is already so tough to work on, about 1/2" between boat and manifolds. In a different forum someone mentioned machining mounts but they are only a little over 1/2" thick and rubber goes all the way through so that doesn't seem correct.)
How would I check the old mounts for sagging, already removed? They feel very tight. Can I put them in a vice and push down on center carefully?
Looks like I will be very good at pulling this motor. Kind of a pain having to remove exhaust each time, especially with the antifreeze cooling I added, to get to mounts.
Thanks.