Engine alignment needed?

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05-03-2013 | 01:57 PM

#11

US1 Fountain

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From: L

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue thunder

When he has the drive off he needs to inspect the splines on the coupler. If it has aluminum splines it is most likely toasted. At least that has been my experience with out of alignment engines.

Yep! Sharp pointed splines= bad

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05-03-2013 | 02:05 PM

#12

Redhook98

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Joined: Dec 2011

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From: Colonial Beach, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by US1 Fountain

Possibly the mount was mounted too low from the get go requiring the motor to be adjusted high. The upper nut is a nylock. It doesn't turn freely.
Once it's rechcked and done, make note of where the upper nuts are for future reference.

The upper nut on that side is pretty loose. I will have to replace it.

I hope my alignment was not bad enough to affect the splines. That would suck. I figured if it was that bad I would have heard it either in the coupler or the gimble bearing. Of course when you have wide open exhaust that dumps 12 inches from your gimble assembly, it may be a bit hard to hear. Doh!

Thanks for all the inputs! I will update when I get back.

05-23-2013 | 07:37 AM

#13

Redhook98

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From: Colonial Beach, VA

Followup: Splines were nice and squared. No sharpness or wear at all. Gimble and coupler were like-new. Engine and drive were still perfectly aligned. No sign of water intrusion, wear or any other issues. Tightened up the motor mount and all was good.

Ready to put in the water and on the lift Friday!

Thanks all!

05-23-2013 | 10:38 AM

#14

boatnt

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Joined: Jan 2005

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From: IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by US1 Fountain

You did it wrong!

The top nut never moves, The lower nut always back down, throwing the alignment out.

You should have turned the lower nut, raising the motor until it was tight against the upper nut. By moving the upper nut, you have changed the alignment outta wack. Gotta put an alignment tool in there and get it back to par.
Next time, don't move the upper nut and you'll be pretty much good to go. Whenever you see a gap between the upper nut and the mount, you know the lower nut has backed off

yep 100% correct

05-24-2013 | 07:26 AM

#15

Dave M

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Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 5,664

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From: Hollywood, MD, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redhook98

they went from a 454 to the 496HO

Just another thing to check while you are at it. Make sure the rear mount has the right spacer and washer setup. I had this issue changing to a 496HO. The mechanic could not get the engine to line up correctly until he figured out that he didn't have the rear mount hardware correct.

If you compare these 2 pics, you will see that there is an extra locknut in the 454 assembly. Notice part 16 in the second pic.

496 HO
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...ywheel+Housing

454 mag
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...ywheel+Housing

Last edited by Dave M; 05-24-2013 at 07:28 AM.