Engine alignment on one my port side has always been slightly harder to get right than the stb. Alignment bar goes in and out one handed, but not easily like the stb. The issue seems to be side to side. According to spline marks on the bar, my engine needs to move inboard on the forward mounts. I’ve pushed and pulled with jacks and straps, but with the fixed rear mounts, I cannot adjust enough to make perfect alignment.

it has been this way for a long time through several engines and couplers, which all lasted a few thousand hours. Occasionally I get noise in neutral and wear on the input shaft where it goes through the gimbal bearing and the orings are always worn or gone. That side tends to eat drives more than the stb. I always thought it was because of the counter rotation, but I’m starting to wonder.

the transom is 2-1/2” and solid. I’m wondering if it wasn’t drilled perfectly square and if that could be my issue.

any ideas?

Have you tried adjusting the front nuts to see what difference it makes on the grease marks on the alignment bar? I always start making adjustments but what I think seems right, but usually just end up following the grease marks as they move with adjustment. Takes a lot of trial and error.

I had my transom and 3 stringers redone and when they installed the starboard engine the one front mount didn't line up so they elongated the hole. You can see that the one mount is turned a little.

I have some leeway to move the front mounts, but the rears won’t allow the front to move enough to make any noticeable change.