I pulled the alpha 1 drive off of my 1985 Scarab to paint it and install a nose cone. I also installed a new gimbal bearing. I'm ready to install the drive, but I was wondering if I need to pay someone to re-align the motor. If I didn't mess with the alignment after I pulled the drive off, I should be ok right? How much does a shop usually charge to align a motor? Thanks.

I definatly would. You can buy the tool cheap enough I think it was 75 bucks, or have a shop do it. I am sure they would not be so bad if you have all the stuff off.

Jon

you don't have to but it's a lot cheaper than putting in a new coupling. if it's right, it might cost $20 to have a shop do it as it only takes a couple minutes. if it's off, you just saved a bunch of money anyway.

Does anyone have some dimensions on the allignment tool so I can make my own on a lathe? It looks like all I'll need is the inside diameter of the gimbal bearing and the inside diameter of the splined engine coupler. Any one have one at home that they could measure? Thanks

I would recommend the tool to save your back. But your other option is to install the drive and see if it slides in real easy. The only problem is that you cannot tell if the inner race is lined up with the outer race (parellel) of the gimbal bearing. Your engine can be aligned well and the bearing off, so the drive won't slide on easily. I personnally would try putting the drive on first if I didn't have the tool.

BT

Hey imq 707's, There was just a thread recently on the Classic Donzi registry about this. One of the guys posted the dimentions for the tool and pic. See if you can go over there and do a search of the old threads. I think it was in the last month or so. Good Luck

imq707s in one of my merc repair manuals I remember seeing a diagram and dimensions to make the tool. if you have a manual look in there. I'm going to my shop in the next day or two, Ill try and get it for you.

Thanks for the help guys. I checked the Donzi site and found the thread. Here's the link if anyone else is interested in making an alignment tool.

http://www.donzi.net/cgi-bin/ultimat...c;f=1;t=003649