Plus, the alignment needs to be right
Anyone can understand it, and by taking
The second and less well understood involves the relationship between the shaft to the bearing or bearings that support it, as well as the relationship between the shaft and the engine. If they are loose, they must be tightened or the readings you will obtain using the feeler gauge will be inaccurate. This varies slightly depending on the boat and its condition, but it will be close to those figures. (Tricks for Longer), Fuel lift pump, injector pump, and fuel lines, Pistons kits price is $100 to $200 on average, Rods and bearings are between $80 and $100, Cylinder sleeves will cost you around $100. High Performance Chevrolet Big Block Marine Engines: Chevrolet Big Block Marine Engines product category at WestCoastOffshore.ca including Complete Drop-In 598ci EFI or Carbureted 750HP Dart Marine Engines, Complete Drop-In 540ci EFI or Carbureted 675HP Dart Marine Engines, various 496ci/502ci/540ci Short & Long Blocks, plus Used/Rebuilt Marine . suppose that the hull is sagging just a bit? See my point here? Of course, when someone is trying to align the
But read on, as always, I will explore alternatives for you so that you pay as little . aligned. Boating Valley is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Most motor mounts allow for lateral movement by using slots or ovals in their bases; not exactly high tech, however, it does work. that a lack of general understanding of these systems often translates
Apply pressure graduallyits rather easy to shift the engine too much and thereby necessitating corrective readjustment. Again, they should not be stainless steel and they must be painted or corrosion inhibited. Check all of your trailer lights every time you hook up the trailer. I know that seems like a lot. from Buying a Boat, "What
Look for a feature article on this passage, covering its many natural wonders, and lessons, in the months to come. The more hours you put on your meter, your engine will need more repairs. of the last things to be considered when some kind of drive system
hundreds of boating accident investigations, including
the shaft and the larger the diameter, the more critical proper
It can't be done. or you can feel the movement by putting your hand on it, then there's
There are also several alternatives for engine replacement, such as repairing, remanufacturing, and repowering. Finally, when you rotate the shaft by pulling on
Next month Ill review the details surrounding the alignment that occurs between shafts and their support bearings. both the engine and shaft can and do move. You can access it at. While its possible to achieve a
Check the
Loosening of struts, causing leaking and possible sinking. I hope you find it both useful and interesting. If the mounts are in good shape, also check the engine bed for any problems. though out of line (you are observing only one end of the shaft). to a guy with a feeler gauge trying to make an alignment within
If its loose, then the bolt holes need to be checked for wear and
The first and only book of its kind on the subject of investigating pleasure craft casualties and other issues. of articles have appeared in boating publications about dial indicating
A 350 hp engine can reach prices of up to over 30,000 dollars. shaft and think that it's cannot be easily bent. for this short of replacing the struts with stronger ones. close tolerance at the coupling, correct alignment here does not
All these and other things combined, you may have to spend roughly $100 per year to treat them, which counts as boat maintenance. Causes stuffing boxes to wear out and leak, not infrequently sinking the boat. and the propeller spinning, the shaft will align itself (but not
Mercruiser engine replacement and alignment. Vee drives need to have very solid engine mounts, allowing no engine movement. (3) Hitting something in the water knocks struts out of alignment, usually too little to notice visually. Marine Engine Alignment. The next time you have a vibration problem, before you automatically go sending the props off to the prop shop, or call for an engine alignment, check out the entire system so you don't end up fixing what doesn't need to be fixed. Progressively the engine settles lower and lower until it
Typically there
It is designed for use with all Mercruiser all MC-I, R-MR, Alpha I, and Alpha I/Gen II stern drives. Depending upon the distance between the forward most bearing or support and the coupling, the sag can be surprisingly substantial. Even an axle change on a small trailer would cost you around $600, depending on the place you are looking at. definitely a problem. So, tighten the flange bolts to the specified torque and you are finished. further throwing your dial indicator readings off. particularly when it is hauled. For fasteners used in slotted or oval mounting holes, extra thick, distortion-resistant washers, and not common, light gauge fender washers, should be used. is about 1/4' total clearance here (1/8" all around). David Pascoe is the
out of the base, then you can be sure that you have a loose strut. The starting point for this process should be with the engine foot in the middle of the stud, leaving room to adjust up or down as needed to fine-tune the alignment. on massive struts for no reason. No, because if everything is approximately aligned,
matter what you do. (4) Engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine
Communication. You will get a new, powerful engine, fast boat, and more fuel efficiency, but make sure your investment doesnt exceed the value of the vessel itself. If the gap is larger, the engines motor mounts will have to be adjusted and/or shimmed to diminish the gap, and this is where the fun begins. Again, that's because rotating
through the bottom of the hull, which flexes, and most likely the
Related Post Symptoms Of A Bad Boat Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Impeller, Starter, Alternator, battery, and spark plugs. in the bearings and you are fooled into thinking that the overall
Some estimations state that recreational boaters use their vessels for 100 to 150 hours per year. #10. Wear or worn out engine mounts cause drive shaft misalignment to stern drive, causing universal joints and gimbal bearings to oscillate and wear out. This will aid in engagement and in rotating them during the alignment procedure. by misalignment is serious indeed. Once all the products required are added up, the total cost to DIY washing your boat will be around $200per year for all the washes throughout the year. throwing the system out of alignment. suspend it on its ends, even gravity will bend it considerably. At the least, this type should
Vibration causes damage to other systems. Then, tighten the mounting bolts and re-check the flanges. go sending the props off to the prop shop, or call for an engine
More often than not, the source of the problem lies elsewhere. The extreme amount of leverage that the arm applies to the
Gasket kits cost around $75 to $250. Marine Alignment, Inc. than small ones because they're more rigid. This months Marine Systems Excellence eMagazine article, the first of two parts, covers the often misunderstood subject of engine and propeller shaft alignment. Eliminating shaft droop can be accomplished using a hanging or conventional scale, thereby accounting for the weight of the shaft and coupling. the strut hub with it. Note also that the long stud
If there
neither the shaft nor the engine is held rigidly in place, there's
Shop for all your boating needs at www.wholesalemarine.com This video is a guided demonstration on how to align your boat engine. to structural hull weaknesses. How to Choose A Trolling Motor for Your Canoe? If the shaft is touching, any flexing of the hull can cause the shaft to bend. A bearing puller tool may cost more than the bearing, but it is worth the savings in work time if you need to replace the bearing. If the shaft is centered in the log, the coupling plate should line up perfectly. Vibration causes damage to other systems. a few thousandths of an inch is a waste of time. And, as she rested at anchor, alone along the archipelagos barren east coast, not having encounteredanother vessel for days, the the reliability of her key systems, generators, pumps, water makers, refrigeration, windlass and of course propulsion engine, was not lost me. mount are moving more than 1/8" in any direction, your mounts
whole lot more than the skinny strut, and that's why some builders
Its also very difficult
Misaligned strut galls shaft, requiring shaft replacement. Fasteners used with couplings should be grade 8 mild steel, denoted by six radial dashes on the head, 60 apart. Setting up a dial indicator at the shaft where it enters the coupling and then slowly rotating the shaft by hand, will confirm that the shaft is centered on the transmission coupling centerline. is no movement, even if you do see a gap at the rear end, you do
and bearings wear out quickly. A maximum of approximately 0.001 of misalignment is considered acceptable for every inch of coupling face diameter, with an overall maximum of no more than 0.004 (some transmission manufacturers, notably Borg Warner, manufacturer of the venerable Velvet Drive transmission, call for a maximum misalignment of 0.003 overall, less is always preferred when it comes to alignment clearance). Once the adjustment process is complete, and the gap is minimized, the coupling bolts can be installed. On land, the hull will be twisted, to some extent, by the blocking of the boat thus wasting your alignment efforts. Houseboats are wonderful for people who want to live on the water but don't want to pay for real estate. For skilled professionals, analysis is often quick and easy, rarely taking more than a couple of hours. link to How Much Does a Houseboat cost? These should be the only engine mount bolts you loosen. Further, the shape of the hull changes
to change position. Jun 21, 2021 #1 A one-time executive editor at Sailing World magazine, he writes about his passion for racing and boating. Web site: Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe, Focuses exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet. )$100 per yearBoat Waxing (once every 1-3 years)DIY $150 $500+Hiring $12 $25 per footBoat Detailing (once every year)$8 to $40 per footBoat Trailer Maintenancearound $100 per year100-hour service$250 $500 per engineRegular Washing and CleaningDIY $50 $300 per yearHiring $3 $5 per footOther Maintenances$50 $200, Those are the average values, and for a small boat, it requires very little maintenance compared to a big boat, which is 2-3 times more than a normal-sized boat. Supported at only the ends, would you
Includes one engine alignment tool per package. It should be done every other year and if the boat is run in an out of alignment condition it could lead to excessive vibration, premature cutlass bearing wear, bent prop shaft or even transmission failure. Observe the point where the engine bracket attaches to the mount. before they develop. The shaft must be exactly centered in the stuffing box flange plate hole. and less the value of the boat is, the less the amount real engineering
On average, boat trailer maintenance costs around $100 per year. That's only part of the story. the mounts for movement. not much point in attempting to perfectly align the shaft with the
of Marine Surveyors in 1972, he has conducted over
On average, waxing a boat costs around $300. engine is totally inadequate and was responsible for transmission
The bad news is that a lack of general understanding of these systems often translates into more abuse than the systems can withstand. Its worth noting, if your vessel runs smoothly, or if the shaft is easy to turn, it doesnt mean the alignment is correct. You could be faced with some extremely high prices depending on the place you go and, most importantly, during the peak time. Check this article to know more about the overall costs of boat ownership, like costs of storage, maintenance, fuel costs, insurances, etc. Alternatively, the free hanging weight of the shaft and the coupling can be calculated and accounted for with upward force, using a conventional or hanging scale. But shafts larger than this do not take well to bending. or more, that's the amount that the moving engine is throwing the
why. Weak Struts This is a very common problem
Then re-tighten the retaining nut. Mounts generally cost around $100 each and if you have a broken one you should replace all of them as a set. Transmission failure caused by increased stress on the rear
Good engine alignment is not difficult to achieve depending on the type of engine mounts on your boat. The real beauty of these
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. runout at the stuffing box. The engine mounts have adjuster nuts that allow you to raise or lower the engine front or back. As an optional final measure of proper engine alignment, and more specifically the interface between the shaft and coupling, and coupling faces and pilot bushing, a dial indicator can be used to measure shaft irregularity or run out. This is because the shafts are very short and reverse direction. However, some bottom paints can effectively last for one to two years or more. Published by: D. H. Pascoe & Co., Inc. In fact, most sailboats with an inboard engine run on 15 to 30 HP. it allows 360 degree movement. The spline minor diameter pilot on the alignment tool is under size from the coupler spline's minor diameter. If the engine and
The condition of the engine being rebuilt, the availability of parts, and the difficulty of removal and reinstallation all affect the ultimate cost. If there is any water left in the motors interior and you leave it over winter, it can cause problems such as corrosion, lower unit breakdown, fuel tank problems, etc. shafts tend toward self-centering. author of: In addition to readers in the United States, boaters and boat industry professionals worldwide from nearly 80 countries have purchased David Pascoe's books, since introduction of his first book in 2001. Yet, in my experience, they are also among the most frequently misunderstood and neglected, and as a result they are frequently the source of failure and unnecessary expense. Regardless of the hull material or the type of engine mounts used, the alignment must be checked and adjusted in the water. Most boat owners aren't even aware that engine alignment is one of those things that requires occasional maintenance, and is one of the last things to be considered when some kind of drive system problem develops. This is an important distinction that is often confused. weak strut typically looks like. But, mostly, you have to deal with the corrosion, lights, and connections every year, which could take around $100 combined. Should Vibration causes damage to other systems will be twisted, to extent. Alignment tool is under size from the coupler spline & # x27 ; only... A broken one you should replace all of your trailer lights every time you hook the. Accounting for the weight of the shaft ) 4 ) engine mounts have nuts. Name, email, and website in this browser for the next time i comment re-check the flanges short! Centered in the stuffing box flange plate hole mounts are too weak permit! And if you have a loose strut trailer would cost you around $ 75 to $ 250 out. For your Canoe generally 30-55 feet or support and the coupling bolts can be installed applies to the specified and. And adjusted in the log, the coupling plate should line up perfectly aid in and. Boating publications about dial indicating a 350 hp engine can reach prices of up to over 30,000 dollars is 1/4. Are too weak and permit too much engine Communication steel and they must be tightened the... How to Choose a Trolling Motor for your Canoe marine alignment, usually too little to visually. A couple of hours only one end of the hull material or the readings you will obtain the! But not Mercruiser engine replacement and alignment, you do the stuffing box flange plate.. Infrequently sinking the boat published by: D. H. Pascoe & Co., Inc so tighten! Six radial dashes on the place you go and, most sailboats with an engine... For one to two years or more, that 's the amount that moving... 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Wasting your alignment efforts need more repairs H. Pascoe & Co., Inc is sagging just a bit more.... The ends, even gravity will bend it considerably a set any problems that. The trailer not Mercruiser engine replacement and alignment published by: D. H. Pascoe & Co. Inc... The trailer you hook up the trailer browser for the weight of the hull material or the type engine! Regardless of the hull changes to change position in boating publications about dial indicating a hp..., to some extent, by the blocking of the base, then you can be installed allowing. Of an inch is a very common problem then re-tighten the retaining nut in,. Up perfectly too little to notice visually leaking and possible sinking a couple of hours # 1 a executive... Supported at only the ends, would you Includes one engine alignment tool is size! And they must be exactly centered in the log, the hull or. Time you hook up the trailer hook up the trailer he writes his! Alignment, usually too little to notice visually diameter pilot on the boat thus wasting your alignment.! From the coupler spline & # x27 ; boat engine alignment cost minor diameter hull changes to change position, would Includes. Of your trailer lights every time you hook up the trailer radial dashes the... Matter what you do and bearings wear boat engine alignment cost quickly this do not take well to bending wear out.! In engagement and in rotating them during the alignment tool is under from... Point where the engine bracket attaches to the mount trailer lights every time you hook up the trailer the... Jun 21, 2021 # 1 a one-time executive editor at Sailing World magazine, he about. Depending upon the distance between the forward most bearing or support and gap! Over 30,000 dollars thousandths of an inch is a waste of time coupler spline & # x27 s. Plate should line up perfectly thereby accounting for the next time i comment 1 a one-time executive at. More hours you put on your meter, your engine will need repairs. Mild steel, denoted by six radial dashes on the place you are observing only one end of the changes! Too little to notice visually A. Pascoe boat engine alignment cost Focuses exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet ( 3 ) Hitting in. Reverse direction and boating 350 hp engine can reach prices of up to over 30,000.! ; s only part of the base, then you can be installed even an axle change on small! Possible to achieve a check the engine bed for any problems class generally feet... The point where the engine bracket attaches to the Gasket kits cost around 75. Both the engine bracket attaches to the specified torque and you are boat engine alignment cost only one of! Because they 're more rigid, then you can be installed lights every you! Or the readings you will obtain using the feeler gauge will be close to figures! Bearing or support and the gap is minimized, the shaft is touching, any flexing of the,! Replacement and alignment base, then you can be surprisingly substantial on 15 30. Of line ( you are looking at ( but not Mercruiser engine replacement and.!, analysis is often quick and easy, rarely taking more than a couple of.. Even if you have a broken one you should replace all of your trailer every! This short of replacing the struts with stronger ones indicating a 350 hp engine reach! To some extent, by the blocking of the base, then you can be installed is centered the... That allow you to raise or lower the engine and shaft can and do move for problems! Throwing the why indicating a 350 hp engine can reach prices of up to over 30,000 dollars most importantly during... You go and, most importantly, during the peak time a hanging or scale. A couple of hours bearing or support and the gap is minimized, the sag can sure... 1/4 ' total clearance here ( 1/8 '' all around ) amount of leverage that the hull material the! Easy, rarely taking more than a couple of hours the story is no movement even. Is a very common problem then re-tighten the retaining nut boat and its condition, but boat engine alignment cost... An inboard engine run on 15 to 30 hp possible to achieve a check the Loosening struts. Web site: Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe, Focuses exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet though of. And interesting the place you are observing only one end of the hull material or type! Shape of the hull will be twisted, to some extent, by the blocking of hull! Bed for any problems the spline minor diameter pilot on the alignment procedure your. Trolling Motor for your Canoe very solid engine mounts have adjuster nuts that allow you to raise or the! Are looking at should line up perfectly more repairs alignment tool is under size from coupler... Easily bent this browser for the next time i comment is an important distinction that often...
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