Rebuilt a 383 small block (330hp) in a Formula 242LS with an Alpha outdrive. Put engine back in last night and not sure if alligned properly to gimbal housing. Inserted the Mercruiser allignment tool with a light push. The tool spins but has some resistance.....

Question is: How much spinning resistance is too much? I know it is hard to quantify effort, but shoud rotate easilly with just thumb and fore-finger or free-spin?

any insight appreciated!

They say that it should move easy.
Slide right in and out with a couple fingers and minimum effort.

Sounds like you might be close.

I wouldn't worry about how it spins. Just straight in and out without having to force it. Put some lithium grease on the last few inches of the tool and read the spline grooves in the grease after you pull it out. They should be the same on top and bottom.

Hold the tool between two fingers. When it slides in and out like that, you are aligned.

take a look at the gimbal bearing...it may need replacing as well(and or) aligned.

Sliding the tool in and out with two fingers sounds like what i was thinking... Checking the grease amount around the shaft should help me get an idea of what direction it needs to be adjusted...

Yesterday, the tool would slightly hit and make a little "clunk" noise and then would slide in with a little pressure... Sounds like I need to do a little adjusting tonight...

Thanks for the feedback!


First boat and quite the learning experience, but should help when I step into a boat with twins......