How do you know if your engine coupler is bad?

Usually, once the coupler lets go, there is no halfway. There may still be a bit if friction left and if you take the engine up to normal cruising rpms, you will find the boat will just go slower, maybe not over about 8 knots. And you will smell burning rubber in the engine room.

How do I know if my gimbal bearing is bad?

Your gimbal bearing will make the most noise when turning the boat. Will be a low pitched growl. Noise will usually subside some after several shots of grease to the gimbal zerk on the starboard side of the transom housing. A bad gimbal bearing will make noise anytime engine is running.

What is engine alignment?

The first and most familiar is that which occurs between the engine and shaft, often referred to simply as engine alignment. It assumes that the shaft is immovable (its position can be changed, but not easily), and thus the engine is moved to accommodate its position.

Why does my boat vibrate?

Vibration is almost always caused by one of four things: the engine, the shaft, the shaft supports or the propeller. In my experience, I have found that most boats’ vibration problems stem from the propeller – but it is easier to look at the other areas first.

What is a boat engine coupler?

The engine coupler links the engine to the stern drive on inboard/outboard engines. In form, it’s a steel plate or even a short shaft, with holes drilled though one end so that it can be bolted to the flywheel of the boat’s engine.

How do you tell if your bellows leak?

If it is leaking badly, you’ll hear a roaring sound coming from the back of the boat. That’s a sure sign. It’s basically water getting into the bearing grease and rusting the bearing. When bellows crack, water can seep into the boat and soak your output shaft and gimbal bearing.

What does a gimbal bearing on a boat do?

Gimbal bearings are specialty ball bearings/races. One of their main marine uses is in boat engine drive shafts where the bearings maintain alignment using gimbal technology. A gimbal bearing and a driveshaft arrangement is shown below.

How big is the alignment bar on a MerCruiser?

This version comes with a hanging ring for the tool.The length of the Alignment bar is 23-5/8 inch. This tool replaces the following part numbers: MerCruiser – P/N 91-805475A1 & 91-57797A3. Volvo SX – P/N 3851083. OMC Cobra – P/N 18-4442. Will work on Pre-Alpha, Alpha One, Gen 2, R, MR, All Bravo, Volvo SX, OMC Cobra Drives.

When did the Mercruiser 4.3L change to Vortec?

The 4.3L changed to the Vortec style (8 Bolt Intake Manifold) in 1996 and for Marine Applications it’s known as the Gen + version of the engine ( Read More ). Its important to note that the VORTEC terminology is not the same for Marine as with Automotive.

What kind of engine does a MerCruiser 4.3 have?

The 4.3L V6 Engine was not the 1st 6 cylinder Sterndrive engine offered by MerCruiser. The Inline 6 cylinder engines date back to the 1963 with the 194 model.

Why is my MerCruiser engine lower than it should be?

If they are a bit loose, you will get some sagging and the engine will be lower than it is supposed to be. If you are still running out of threads on the engine mount studs, then inspect the stringer areas where the engine mounts rest, if you have lag bolts holding the engine mounts.