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Looking for some clarification on engine alignment hoping the group can help with.
Installed a new Elberts A.R.E propshaft this weekend:
couplerFlexGland by Andrew Marks, on Flickr
According to the directions (copy/pasted below) you are directed to ensure there is less than .003 difference in spacing at the four points in the coupler, i.e. if a .020 feeler gauge fits in-between the surfaces, but a .023 feeler gauge doesn't then the coupler is properly aligned.
The above seems different than the guidance given in the Ron Tanis/Ski Dim videos on engine alignment. For my actual case - I am able to get the engine/coupler aligned to .004 all the way around - which is in spec for the Elbert's direction.
Appreciate any input from the forum. The up/down alignment is fairly straight forward. making small side to side movements has been a bit more challenging as even though the front mounts are greased and free, the engine does not move to the port happily.
From the Elbert's website:
Engine Alignment
For inboard boats, engine alignment is very important. The flanges of the coupling and the transmission on a properly aligned engine are within .003” of parallel. Improper alignment causes vibration, and greatly increases wear on the engine, transmission, strut bearings and the stuffing box. Significant engine misalignment can also break the drive shaft. To keep your boat running shipshape, and to prevent damage, check engine alignment any time there is noticeable vibration and whenever the coupling is unbolted from the transmission.
Ideally, the engine should be aligned with the boat in the water, but for most boats satisfactory results can be obtained while it is on the trailer. Before checking engine alignment, remove any burrs or dings that may prevent the flanges from mating properly. Then use two feeler gages sized .003” apart, for example, .020”, and .023” to check engine alignment. Place the .020” feeler gage between the transmission flange and the coupling flange at position A and take up any excess gap. Determine if the .023” feeler gage will or will not go between the flanges at positions B, C, and D. Repeat this procedure using the .020” feeler gage at positions B, C, and D. If the .023” feeler gage will not go between the flanges at any of the locations, the engine is aligned properly. Otherwise the engine is out of alignment and should be realigned before the boat is returned to service.(Back To Top)
Installed a new Elberts A.R.E propshaft this weekend:
couplerFlexGland by Andrew Marks, on FlickrAccording to the directions (copy/pasted below) you are directed to ensure there is less than .003 difference in spacing at the four points in the coupler, i.e. if a .020 feeler gauge fits in-between the surfaces, but a .023 feeler gauge doesn't then the coupler is properly aligned.
The above seems different than the guidance given in the Ron Tanis/Ski Dim videos on engine alignment. For my actual case - I am able to get the engine/coupler aligned to .004 all the way around - which is in spec for the Elbert's direction.
Appreciate any input from the forum. The up/down alignment is fairly straight forward. making small side to side movements has been a bit more challenging as even though the front mounts are greased and free, the engine does not move to the port happily.
From the Elbert's website:
Engine Alignment
For inboard boats, engine alignment is very important. The flanges of the coupling and the transmission on a properly aligned engine are within .003” of parallel. Improper alignment causes vibration, and greatly increases wear on the engine, transmission, strut bearings and the stuffing box. Significant engine misalignment can also break the drive shaft. To keep your boat running shipshape, and to prevent damage, check engine alignment any time there is noticeable vibration and whenever the coupling is unbolted from the transmission.
Ideally, the engine should be aligned with the boat in the water, but for most boats satisfactory results can be obtained while it is on the trailer. Before checking engine alignment, remove any burrs or dings that may prevent the flanges from mating properly. Then use two feeler gages sized .003” apart, for example, .020”, and .023” to check engine alignment. Place the .020” feeler gage between the transmission flange and the coupling flange at position A and take up any excess gap. Determine if the .023” feeler gage will or will not go between the flanges at positions B, C, and D. Repeat this procedure using the .020” feeler gage at positions B, C, and D. If the .023” feeler gage will not go between the flanges at any of the locations, the engine is aligned properly. Otherwise the engine is out of alignment and should be realigned before the boat is returned to service.(Back To Top)
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