ITS slop factor?
 

I have the ITS alignment tool and it is no where near as nice as the alignment tool for a regular Bravo drive, very crude machining and the killer is how sloppy it is when slid through the Gimbal bearing. There is no stop btw and the tool will pass all the way though into the bilge unlike the shorter bravo tool that has a snug fit and a shoulder that rests on the bearing preventing pass though.

I did try the short tool and it fit much better. When I am in the bilge, I can move the alignment tool about .800" in any direction. Very very loose.

I put the drive back on and even the input shaft can move .250" in any direction with light finger pressure.

What is the slop factor here? What is the point of even using the alignment tool?

I understand the extra 7 inches change the ability of the input shaft to engage the coupler but wouldn't an accurate location of the coupler give less vibration, stress and longer life to the shaft and u-joints? Everything is brand new so no wear factor.

Expert opinions out there?

Re: ITS slop factor?
 

If only Ford made an alignment tool.. it'be perfect... :D:D:D

Re: ITS slop factor?
 

There are 2 parts to the tool. It has a slide that fits into the bearing. You can leave the slide out, slide the end into the engine coupler, then look at the clearance between the tool and the bearing to determine which way the front of the engine has to go. When you think it's close, put in the slide and check the bearing alignment. The diameters on the tool are the same as the standard Bravo tool. Same fits when both parts are together.

Re: ITS slop factor?
 

Is this how the factory recomends checking the ITS aligment?

Even with the "slide" in place, it is so sloppy. .800" in any direction. The fit between the "shaft" and the slide is good. It is between the gimbal bearing and the slide that the Looseness is a problem.

GLH....Love ya brother :D:D

Re: ITS slop factor?
 

The tool is still supposed to be a go/no-go tool, but being able to remove the slide makes it much easier to determine which direction the front of the engine has to go, it's probably not documented as such.

Are you sure it's the fit between the slide and the bearing, or is the play between the inner race of the bearing and the bearing rollers? The bravo gimbal bearings that I have seen have quite a bit of play in the bearing inner race. If it's between the slide and the bearing, something is wrong with your alignment tool slide. Do you have access to a micrometer or an accurate caliper to measure the diameter that slides into the bearing? I can find out what diameter it is supposed to be. If it's not correct I would call Merc and get it replaced.

Re: ITS slop factor?
 

Using the standard tool in the same gimbal bearing had very little slop. We too thought the bearing may be moving at first.

If you know thin ID of the bearing, I will cross reference that to the slide. I doubt Mercury will be able to do better though. The original tool looks like it is nicely made in the USA. the ITS tool looks to be machined in Da'Nang.

Thanks