When I did mine for the first time this past fall I was worried but I listened to all these same guys and I barowed a alignment tool from a freind and sure enoph it slid right on like pie my first try. And yes I was like **** were is the nut so it does not fall off.

Rag's

Thanks for all the help guys , Allen

cooltoys,
What part of Ky are you in?

I'm in Murray,in wester KY at the TN line almost. I'm about 10 miles to KY lake. You ever boat down here?

anyone know if the spring in the rear mounts should or should not be compressed?

Quote: "If it was my boat I'd use the 4x4 on the marine dude."
FINALLY! Someone said it! I'd beat that moron over the head with that 4x4 just for saying that. It's amazing what some of these so called "Marine Mechanics" will do to a boat that most of them could never hope to own! This is why I've learned to do everything I possibly can myself! It sounds like you're a little resistant on getting the alignment tool. Don't be. Even if you have to buy it. It's worth it when you consider the aggrivation factor (and cost) of breaking down on the water. I've owned a lot of boats, and I found out a long time ago, if you're going to do a job, do it 110%. No short cuts. If you give it a chance to break it will! This board, and the guys (and gals) on it are a great resource..Use it. I'm sure they've learned like I have, by doing it.

finally got the drives off(still very tight)by winching up and down etc with the bolts loose,,borrowed a drive shaft because aliegnment tool was loaned out and it seems both my motors are low in the front(DUH).I may have to space the mount to the block out which may be easier with the motors pulled(NOT AGAIN PLEASE). I don't think just bolting them tight in the top of their holes will hold or even be high enough.
HEY,,ANYBODY HAVE ANY ADVICE ON THE SPRING!!!
I guess I'll tighten it all the way down since the rear is high anyway.

Yes.. the springs must be compressed.
I had a friend put spacers there to lift the motor 1" for stand off box alignment.. so if you need to lift the rear of the motor.. well

What I do when all else seems impossible is put the come a long to lift the engine and get the tool to slide it with two fingers. Then lock it down some how.. bolts vice grips, what ever.. now roll the motor over 90* or 180* if the alignment changes the rubber donut in the coupler is messed up. I did run a coupler like that for several years, after borrowing a good coupler to align the engine and then bolt it solid. Never had a problem with it.. 25' Checkmate, 690hp.. no issues after proper alignment.

If you need to lower the motor, I guess you could slim down the spring, but it was designed to be the proper height with the compressed spring. Does the tool/input shaft slide all the way in with two fingers? If not then I would look at more time on the alignment. And dont for get to roll the motor some to see if it stays in alignment..

Good luck

Dick

There were some guys on the board that were making the alignment tools and selling them cheap..do a search.
You can get a better picture of the grease with the smooth tool than you could with the splined shaft. It fits tighter than just a plain splined shaft..

Good luck

Dick

check the gimbal bearing sometimes they stick