Dave M

I need a bravo alignment tool. Who has the best deal?

David

I got mine from http://www.boatfix.com/ . Was about $80 (+ shipping) for real one from Mercury Marine.
Edit: You may want to call and ask George for the real one from Merc. Otherwise you might get an aftermarket branded one.

Hot Boat

I think I paid $50 at a local auto / marine parts store

David

BTW- I have a custom made one you can have, but it doesn't fit the newer style couplers.

Dave M

Thanks guys. I DO want the real one from Merc.

Falcon

You should get the ITS tool. It can be used with all Bravo's. I think it's easier to use. 91-840965A1

Dave M

Hey Falcon,

I took your advice and bought the ITS tool. Do you slide the larger diameter part of the tool in first and then the thinner longer part inside of that? I guess the larger part keeps it centered in the gimball bearing? I'm not exactly sure how to use this tool.

Thanks,
Dave

Formula Outlaw

Gusman refers to it as the "donkey dick"....

Falcon

There are 2 parts to the alignment, aligning the gimbal bearing and setting the engine angle. The bearing is what's sometimes called a "self" aligning bearing. Not really correct in this instance. The angle of the bearing can be changed. Place the outer part of the tool into the bearing, you will notice some play in the bearing, some play is normal. Push the internal part of the tool through and check to see if it seems well centered in the coupler splines. You can feel when it hits the end of the splines and seems like it will at least start into the coupler splines. If it's not correct, you can pull back the internal part of the shaft some and try to move the bearing in the right direction. Try again and repeat until the bearing is well aligned.
When the bearing seems aligned, you can just try using the tool just like the standard one, does it go into the coupler splines all of the way? If not, the ITS tool has an advantage. Remove the outer part from the bearing. Put the internal shaft through the bearing and into the coupler splines. Look into the bell housing and you can look at the gap between the tool and the gimbal bearing. Move the front of the engine around until it seems well centered. Put the outer part into the gimbal bearing. Is it an easy fit? If so, you are done!
It's much easier to show than to explain!

Good luck!

Strip Poker 388

iTrader: (6)

Falcon with your knolodge helping others on this board is invaluible and very apperciated !!

Thanks

Rob