Any tips on doing engine alignments?
 

I usually lift the engine with a chain fault to make an adjustment, then set it down and check it. After repeating this step 8 or 900 times I get it done. Anyone have any short cuts or tips?:eureka:

For Bravo's I use an aluminum shaft turned to the coupler bore ID, usually around 1". This allows me to visually see where I have to move the engine. I can get pretty close before actually using the final alignment tool. Also, dont forget to rotate the engine 180 degrees and check it again. The coupler is not always centered on the flywheel.

I use an old driveshaft with a pipe welded on the end.

Adjust up till it binds. Count turns and adjust down till it binds. Final adjustment half way in between:D

Patience!!! ane a lot of it.

I just finished mine, the previous one was off by 3/8".

I used a cherry picker to hoist the rear of the engine after i loosed the motor mounts. I had to shim my rear until the alignment tool slid in nice and easy. after you tighten it down you have to recheck for alignment.

Buy the tool from mercstuff.com. Nice and easy with no splines. You just coat the tools with spline grease and insert you can see high and low spots so you can make adjustments.

good luck.

I have the merc tool. I was just wondering if there were any methods the pros use to make the job easier. It always seems to be a project!

Put a dab of grease on the end of the tool. When you insert it, do it slowly until it hits the coupler.... then draw it back out slowly... you'll be able to tell from the wear on the grease which way you need to go.

Tinkerboater and I use this method whenever we do an alignment...and we do a lot of them because I'm always taking my motor out!! It really helps to have two people.

Waterfouls method is the way that I see the mechanics at the marina I go to do it.....Fred