Is it true that on the new style Mercruiser flywheel housings you do NOT need to use the double wound spring washers between the flywheel housing and inner transom plate? I went to BAM Marine's website and it appears that they still use a fiber washer and a flat metal washer between the flywheel housing and the inner transom plate. I have somebody coming over to drop them in soon and want to make sure the alignment between the gimbal bearing and coupler is correct. Also, the engines have a solid front offshore mounting plate which bolts to uprights, which are bolted to the stringers. There is no real up and down adjustment on the front mount. Again, I'm just concerned about the alignment. I would really appreciate it if anybody could help me with this question. Thanks!

From what I know, no, you do not need them. I replaced my 88 transom assembly with a new one, pressed in the mounts on the flywheel housing, and NOPE NO SPRING things like old style. Yes fiberwashers between plates, and the metal washer below the bolt heads.

Also, as far as your front mounts go, the piece attached to your block doesnt sit on the mount where its basically a vertical threaded rod? thats the up and down adjustment. the bolt on the bottom it sits on is the adjustment. Then the other bolt tightens it up. Do you have any pictures of the mounts?

What year is it? It can make a huge difference. If they had them before and you are using the same engine and bell housing they need to go back exactly like they came out. If these are different engines than came out of the boat the front mounts might need to be adjusted even if they are solid. It only takes a little to be out of allinment.

Please do a search on the topic.

The newer style do not use the spring. If you look at the bottom of the bell housing mounts, you should see serrations in the bottom of it. It will also be just about flush with the surrounding area of the bell housing. The older style that used the spring, had the mount recessed up into the bell housing and didn't have the serrations on the bottom of the mount. Hope that makes sense.
Eddie