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EngineOutdrive alignment

C

cdbma

Contributing Member
"I've read most of the pos

"I've read most of the posts regarding the importance of engine/outdrive alignment when either (or both) of the units are replaced.
I have not replaced either on my '91 FW. Both are working fine. However, I must admit that, while I've done regular LU maintenance, the units have maybe been aligned once or twice (dealer), as I do my own maintenance and I don't have the tool.

So, am I tempting fate? It is important to align when doing regular LU maintenance if nothing related to alignment has been altered?

Chris"
 
These prices are getting lower

These prices are getting lower during the winter.

Just think of all the free booze you'll be guzzlin when your buddies call you over with your bar.
 
"[b]"So, am I tempting fat

""So, am I tempting fate? It is important to align when doing regular LU maintenance if nothing related to alignment has been altered?"
You may be, and you may not know until too late!
And yes!

The relationship between the front of the engine, and the hinge point where the Flywheel Cover "mounting ears" connect to the inner transom unit (I.E., the rear engine mounts) may change over the years.
If so, you now have an issue re; triangulation.
IOW's, you no longer have a near perfect center line between engine crankshaft and the out drive shaft.
If this seems odd, consider that the engine can hinge from the point of the rear engine mounts ... and yet the pivot/hinge point of the drive shaft is further AFT (at the Gimbal Bearing)!
In terms of geometry, this does not work well!
When not in alignment, the inner female splines of the coupler.... and the male splines of the drive shaft are now in conflict with one another (although still engaged).

This may result in the softer coupler splines wearing and eventually failing.
Now the engine comes out for coupler replacement!

The precaution is to use the alignment tool and adjust the front of the engine if need be until alignment is achieved.

Here is an image of the tool in place. Note the relationship between Gimbal bearing and coupler.
http://www.sterndrives.com/engine_alignment_image.gif"

Here is an image of an OMC inner plate and flywheel cover showing rear engine mounts.
Again, note the relationship between where the Gimbal bearing and coupler would be..., but now note where the rear mounts are in relationship to both!
http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/images/omcvolvo/ACF3357.gif"

.
"
 
I went to a metal salvage yard

I went to a metal salvage yard and bought a 1-1/2" diameter x 24" long round stock for $4.50. Brought it home and chucked it up in my Sears Metal Lathe using a sketch I found on line to machine the alignment tool.
I was able to use it when I re-installed my '88 4.3L OMC Cobra back in the boat after I replaced the oil pan. Worked great!
 
Hey...maybe you've found a

Hey...maybe you've found another potential source for some income...could make a good profit selling them if your cost is $4.50
 
"Bob, you're using a four

"Bob, you're using a four letter word which I don't like...."WORK"
lol.gif
.
I've been retired 10 years and don't even want to think about that word
rofl.gif
"
 
"Retired eh....so tell me what

"Retired eh....so tell me what's that like as I'm going to give it a try in 3 weeks!

I just got the golden handshake offer at work this week after 36 yrs, a nice little sum of $150k plus full pension. Problem is I'm only 54 and I think it's too early for freedom 54!"
 
"I retired after 38 years serv

"I retired after 38 years service at 55. It took a couple of years to get used to retirement but after that, I never looked back.
BTW congrats on your retirement.

Now you can rack up more post on this site answering all the technical questions
wink.gif
"
 
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