I'm putting my engine in and the alignment tool will go in and out easy but the motor is tilted forward (not level). If I raise the front of the motor to make it level the alignment tool won't go in. Does this sound right? Also if I leave the alignment tool in and then raise the front of the motor I can't get it out!

Its right, when sitting in the water bet its real close to level

Rotate gimbal bearing 90 L +R then 180 and repeat? Attempt to center it up and re-check. What shape is the coupler in?

GOODT, I was thinking the same thing.

baddog, coupler is in good shape.

I'm just scared that I'm going to wipe the bearing out running it tilted forward. When the tool is sticking out of the gimbal it looks to be running upward. But if you move the gimbal housing up a little the tool looks parallel with the outdrive mounting studs. So where should the gimbal housing be when you align?

trust the alinment tool not your eyes.....it cant lie to you..........unlike my wife

If the transom angle is more vertical (less than 13 degrees), the engine will not be level with the stringers. When you are "aligning" the engine, you are adjusting the angle to the transom.

Could it be possible that the bearing was cocked to start out with and I aligned the motor to the cocked bearing?

no the alinment tool will set it also to the correct angle

OK, I'm all out...I guess I beleive you Thanks.

been playing with these for 25 yrs with merc, omc, and volvo certs oh and sea doo trust me your good to go