Thanks for all the replies, as mentioned above I have set the bearing with the alignment bar. Since I am using the old style mounts, I will be going back to the double wound washer. From what I understand I have to remove the rubber pads from the new inner transom plate for this setup to align properly. Has anyone ever removed them? It was said earlier that they just snap in, is that the case? If not I could always take a dremmel to shave them down.

Still don't get the rubber bushing comment I'll just offer this: Installed new HP transom assembly two years ago and used old bell housing and removed nothing from the new and it aligned

there is nothing on the inner transom assy to remove, as alldodge said. just 2 aluminum ears the flywheel cover mounts, which have rubber bushings in them sit on. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercruiser-A...%257Ciid%253A1

this ebay pic shows the mount that sits on the double spring washer that sits on the ears in previous pic... MERCRUISER FLYWHEEL HOUSING REAR ENGINE MOUNT 12675 FRESHWATER | eBay get some weatherstrip adhesive. glue the fiber washer in place. have the rear mount bolts sticking thru holes in flywheel cover. drop straight down, making sure bolts go thru spring washer. Make sure the nuts are slipped into holders on bottom side of inner transom ears...

The old transom plate ears were just bare metal. Now the new one I have has a thin rubber pad on the ears. I will get a picture this weekend, I don't have access to the boat until then. Thanks again everyone for the replies.

Unless it is a permanent version of the fiber washers. Is there a big enough hole for the spring washer to fit inside the pad?

Im 99% sure thats what he is talking about

So I finally managed to get back to the boat I got a picture of the war on the new transom plate and the motor mount. Sorry it's a little hard to see. That rubber sandwiched between the motor mount and the ear is what I was referring to. The old plate does not have that rubber. What I plan to do tomorrow is lift the back of the motor and remove that piece of rubber and go with the conventional fabric washer and lock washer.

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picture doesnt work for me, is the rubber thing thicker than the fiber washer ?

I just purchased new inner transom plates recently and can confirm the new style come with permanent rubber washers so the woven/fabric ones are not required. They are the same thickness. Nice additions if you ask me. Don't have to worry about gluing or taping things down when the motor goes in...minus the spring washer lol. Doh'