Re: more alignment woes,getting nowhere
 

There is another way to see how "close" you are. Get a "digital anglefinder" and check the angle between the transom of the boat and the front of the crank/damper. The engine should be very close to 13 degrees from the transom angle for correct alignment. The back of the engine should be bolted down and only raise and lower the front of the engine, preferrably from a center point. Also be sure to check for correct "bearing alignment" to get the alignment bar to hit the center of the coupler.

Re: more alignment woes,getting nowhere
 

I messed up a picture of the angle finder I use. Here it is.

Re: more alignment woes,getting nowhere
 

Spend the $90 at www.mercstuff.com you will use the tool every year. Once i did i got the damn thing aligned.

Re: more alignment woes,getting nowhere
 

When I had my engine installed, the mechanic said he was having a b!tch of a time getting it to go in. He's been doing it for probably 30 years and has all the tools for it. Finally, he pulled the engine back out and found a burr in the coupler splines. Filed it off and it slid right in.

Re: more alignment woes,getting nowhere
 

Merkruzer,
I'm in South Jersey and have an alignment tool. You can borrow it if you want. I live in Sicklerville. cell phone 609-320-3046.

Jon