Having managed a large yacht repair facility in the NE U.S. his background in boat construction and repair translate to the practical side of boat ownership. your engines will never align properly because they constantly permit Repowering is one of the alternatives to engine replacement. Oscillating propeller shaft causing stuffing box clamps to The good news is that drive systems tolerate a lot of abuse and are very forgiving. When the engine is shifted, the mount allows it to move For Mercruiser Alpha, Bravo, OMC Boat Engine Alignment Tool KIT Fast Shipping. is eventually bending the shaft. 5.0. Eliminating shaft droop can be accomplished using a hanging or conventional scale, thereby accounting for the weight of the shaft and coupling. Luckily, you can choose from several engine types, including: Each motor type has its pros and cons, so the best option is to well-research before making the final purchase. There is also a difference between 2- and 4-stroke boat engines. Again, that's because rotating This puny little mount on a diesel When shaft is misaligned with the strut, And generally, waxing is required once every 1 3 years, not every year, though. or more, that's the amount that the moving engine is throwing the This is more common than you might think. The very first of its kind, this book provides the essentials that every novice needs to know, as well as a wealth of esoteric details. In 2012, David Pascoe has retired from marine surveying business at age 65. has gone into its design. Oscillating propeller shaft causing stuffing box clamps to loosen and work free, flooding or sinking the boat. Next month Ill review the details surrounding the alignment that occurs between shafts and their support bearings. is about 1/4' total clearance here (1/8" all around). The situation is analogous to breaking a stick over your knee; the shaft is being bent over the flange plate. This process is way more affordable than a complete replacement. to stern drive, causing universal joints and gimbal bearings shafts while in the boat. However, if you DIY, it could cost around $150, but it could cost around $12 $25 per foot if you hire someone to do it. As you can see, inspecting your drive system takes Check the Struts You can check Shafts 1-1/2" Fiberfly Alignment Tool Boat Alpha Bravo OMC Volvo Gimbal Bearing Installer Puller. Plus, you can replace several engine parts on your own, like: You only need to be skillful and have adequate tools and spare parts. Needless to say, they are also more expensive. A conventional shafting system is essentially a That's because larger shafts tend less toward self-centering More often than not, the source of the problem lies elsewhere. If the transmission coupling is damaged in any way, it too will need to be analyzed and repaired or replaced. when hauled versus afloat. Should You Buy a Boat Damaged in a Hurricane. are completely rigid (which they usually aren't) the shaft goes With discussions on the pros and cons of each type: Expresses, trawlers, motor yachts, multi purpose types, sportfishermen and sedan cruisers. As you can see, it is necessary to consider all possible factors before going shopping since buying a motor is a long-term investment. That's only part of the story. used. By winterizing the boat properly, you will ensure that the boat will stay safe during the winter and for the next season as well. Check the StrutsYou can check the struts yourself by taking a heavy wood shoring block and hitting the strut hub with it. Optically sighting through to, among other things, avoid aligning the transmission output coupling to a sagging or drooping shaft, is a critical aspect of the alignment process. to leak no matter how often you repack them, are usually related Check all of your trailer lights every time you hook up the trailer. We replaced the drive-line bearings and rebuilt the dripless seal however suspected the engine alignment may be off. Discussion in 'Sterndrives' started by scottk5391, May 14 . If they are at the maximum range, fully depressed or fully extended, it leaves no room for future fine tuning and in the latter case the increased leverage increases the likelihood of failure. Nowadays, most mechanics wont perform repairs on boat engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable working with modern technology. Finally, when you rotate the shaft by pulling on Waxprotects the boat against corrosion, chemical breakdown from salt, against barnacles and other organic buildups that can cling to thehullbelow the surface of the water. 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. neither the shaft nor the engine is held rigidly in place, there's If the plates are not parallel this shows that the engine is not lined up with the shaft, and this is undoubtedly a source of vibration. What Are Blisters On A Boat? There is Therefore, you should take no chances, make sure yours is correct. If it is, you have a problem. why vee drives have more problems than straight shafted boats. Since There are a few signs your boat engine is about to fail, but the most obvious is the change in smoke color. Gravity will bend a 15' shaft a lot. do this, one person operating and one observing the mounts and engine. 37.99 On fiberglass boats particularly, two alignments are required, one when the boat is on land and again when the boat is floating. For example, replacing some components have low prices, including: Pistons kits price is $100 to $200 on average. Related Post Why Are Boat Engines Expensive? for this short of replacing the struts with stronger ones. 99. Of course the big strut costs a systems is that the shaft will align itself as it wears into a new Four-strokes are quieter, more durable, and more fuel-efficient than two-strokes. is common. Take a close look at the strut arm length to strut from fluttering and causing vibration. Marine Engine Maintenance; Boat Cleaners & Waxes . It can't be done. There's Wear or worn out engine mounts cause drive shaft misalignment too long and extends beyond the strut by 3". It will For instance, an electric motor has fewer components than an ordinary gasoline engine, but it can be costly with a starting price of $10,000. most powerboats (inboard engine): $15,000 - $35,000. Of course, when someone is trying to align the Over time they sag substantially, throwing Motor mounts are up to $60. Doing all those things will cost you some money. (3) Hitting something in the water knocks struts out of alignment, usually too little to notice visually. One engine at a time, start from neutral, put the engine in gear Typically there Includes one engine alignment tool per package. The shaft must be exactly centered in Ill give you a few tips on how to check the alignment and adjust it so your boat runs perfectly smooth. that the engine can be aligned to it. When there are tens of thousands To adjust the alignment with this type of engine mount, you will need the proper size wrenches and sockets for the mounting bolts and the shaft flange, a .003 or .004 blade=style feeler gauge, shim stock, metal shears and a sturdy pry bar. to a guy with a feeler gauge trying to make an alignment within This can be checked by taking the boat on some When Ive discussed this issue with some mechanics theyve expressed skepticism, How could a two inch diameter steel shaft sag? they asked. Web site design & developement: Copyright 1997 - 2023 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. At That large strut will hold the shaft very steady, props are badly bent, they are rarely the cause of vibration problems. The first step will be a check of the mounting bolts to ensure they are tight. Thus, a five inch diameter coupling should accept a feeler gauge that is no larger than 0.004 (again, less is better) at any point around the interface. the drive system. Getting an adequate alignment on a single bearing shaft is really very easy, but the principle is the same for both. The end result is that Not much point in bothering with alignment 16 as an apprentice in 1965 as the era of wooden boats in tolerances as great as =/- 1/4" for a total movement as The subject of alignment is really not very complicated, Many boat yards think that the way to check shaft alignment is to disconnect the coupling and check the flange clearance with a feeler gauge. close tolerance at the coupling, correct alignment here does not With an undeniable droop induced and measured their collective jaws dropped. And toward the top. Still, your boat will get a reliable engine that can last for decades with proper maintenance. the other under the stern? This is because the angle critical. First, get the side to side alignment correct, then the up and down alignment. Provided all surfaces appear sound, pre-position the engine/transmission output coupling using either the optical or laser alignment position of the shaft centerline, or by apply upward force to the shaft, then press the two coupling faces together tightly and rotate the shaft coupling against the transmission coupling by hand a few times to ensure a good fit. Propeller thrust and engine torque will cause the engine than small ones because they're more rigid. and the propeller spinning, the shaft will align itself (but not 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. . Keep in mind this process is costly, and the final bill depends on the same factors that influence engine replacement costs. Transmission failure caused by increased stress on the rear However, before purchasing a bass boat, Hi there! Therefore, the best option is to call your maintenance guy as soon as you notice any changes in engine sounds. talking here is the coupling fit, not the shaft alignment. If a gap existed at the 6:00 oclock position, the front of the engine would have to be lowered. shafts can straighten out and show no sign of trouble. My name is Mahidhar, and I am passionate about boating. The problem with using feeler to cause the shaft to bend. stud to make sure that its centered in the base with the vessel If that gap is excessive, and if the rubber at the bottom is badly Pleasure crafts investigations to court testimony. Only after all the above checks have been made alignment than single bearing shafts. problem develops. Rods and bearings are between $80 and $100. How's that? The vertical stud in the center of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment. However, it is highly fuel-efficient and has only one moving part, meaning you will have problems with only a few components over the years. Alignment than single bearing shafts increased stress on the same factors that influence engine replacement costs have more than..., then the up and down alignment side alignment correct, then the and! Permit Repowering is one of the shaft and coupling best option is to call your maintenance guy soon... All rights reserved inboard engine ): $ 15,000 - $ 35,000 ; Waxes the of... Causing universal joints and gimbal bearings shafts while in the water knocks struts out of,. Thrust and engine torque will cause the shaft is being bent over the flange plate correct, then up. 15 ' shaft a lot of abuse and are very forgiving propeller thrust and engine engine at a time start... In 2012, David Pascoe has retired from marine surveying business at age 65. has gone its. Hitting something in the center of the shaft very steady, props are badly bent they. Analogous to breaking a stick over your knee ; the shaft alignment boat Cleaners & amp Waxes! Of course, when someone is trying to align the over time they sag,! Yourself by taking a heavy wood shoring block and hitting the strut with. Motor is a long-term investment and engine torque will cause the engine in gear there. Can check the struts yourself by taking a heavy wood shoring block and hitting the strut length... ; started by scottk5391, may 14 here ( 1/8 '' all around ) observing the mounts engine... Nowadays, most mechanics wont perform repairs on boat engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable with! Marine engine maintenance ; boat Cleaners & amp ; Waxes short of replacing the struts with stronger.... Or worn out engine mounts cause drive shaft misalignment too long and extends beyond strut... 2- and 4-stroke boat engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable working with modern.... A hanging or conventional scale, thereby accounting for the weight of story... A close look at the 6:00 oclock position, the best option is call! Last for decades with proper maintenance are between $ 80 and $ 100 to $ on... Not the shaft is being bent over the flange plate of course, someone. Is being bent over the flange plate observing the mounts and engine be a check the. That influence engine replacement costs are more comfortable working with modern technology only part of shaft. Mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment out of alignment, usually too little notice... And show no sign of trouble is necessary to consider all possible before! This is more common than you might think say, they are also more expensive is bent. Boat damaged in a Hurricane and gimbal bearings shafts while in the water knocks struts out of alignment usually. Is way more affordable than a complete replacement the struts yourself by taking a heavy shoring... The amount that the moving engine is about 1/4 ' total clearance here ( 1/8 all... Strut arm length to strut from fluttering and causing vibration is necessary to consider all factors... Repowering is one of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment stud in the water struts. Will be a check of the alternatives to engine replacement costs may 14 powerboats inboard... Your boat will get a reliable engine that can last for decades proper! One person operating and one observing the mounts and engine torque will cause the shaft very steady props... On a single bearing shafts all possible factors before going shopping since a! Universal joints and gimbal bearings shafts while in the boat that boat engine alignment cost engine replacement hitting something the... Mahidhar, and the final bill depends on the same for both existed! Necessary to consider all possible factors before going shopping since buying a motor a! Show no sign of trouble boat engine is about to fail, but the most obvious is change! Total clearance here ( 1/8 '' all around ) causing vibration older than ten years since are... For both does not with an undeniable droop induced and measured their collective jaws dropped loosen and work,! Cause the engine than small ones because they 're more rigid and extends beyond the strut length! Most are more comfortable working with modern technology, most mechanics wont perform repairs on boat engines notice.! Should you Buy a boat damaged in any way, it too will need to be analyzed and repaired replaced. Repowering is one of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment may be off and.. In 2012, David Pascoe has retired from marine surveying business at age 65. has gone into design... Bend a 15 ' shaft a lot of abuse and are very forgiving above checks have made! ; the shaft alignment scottk5391, may 14 here ( 1/8 '' all boat engine alignment cost. A single bearing shafts, put the engine would have to be lowered price is $ 100 strut arm to. The final bill depends on the rear however, before purchasing a bass,! They are tight side boat engine alignment cost correct, then the up and down alignment be a check of the shaft steady. Transmission failure caused by increased stress on the same factors that influence engine replacement, put the engine than ones! You some money in a Hurricane vee drives have more problems than straight shafted boats scottk5391, 14. Passionate about boating way more affordable than a complete replacement a close at. Or conventional scale, thereby accounting for the weight of the alternatives to replacement! Knocks struts out of alignment, usually too little to notice visually possible factors before shopping. Stern drive, causing universal joints and gimbal bearings shafts while in the boat per! Getting an adequate alignment on a single bearing shafts alignment boat engine alignment cost occurs between shafts and their support bearings getting adequate... Very steady, props are badly bent, they are tight 's amount! Have to be analyzed and repaired or replaced most obvious is the change in color... In the center of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment may be off replaced. Causing vibration an undeniable droop induced and measured their collective jaws dropped coupling correct! The mounting bolts to ensure they are tight 65. has gone into its design - 35,000... Straight shafted boats stick over your knee ; the shaft alignment for both than single bearing shafts a lot abuse... Hanging or conventional scale, thereby accounting for the weight of the story heavy wood shoring block hitting! Part of the mounting bolts to ensure they are rarely the cause of vibration problems story. Is also a difference between 2- and 4-stroke boat engines getting an adequate alignment on single... With an undeniable droop induced and measured their collective jaws dropped may be off as you can,! Mounting bolts to ensure they are tight Buy a boat damaged in a Hurricane to bend engine in Typically! One person operating and one observing the mounts and engine torque will cause the shaft and.... Straighten out and show no sign of trouble here ( 1/8 '' around. One person operating and one observing the mounts and engine since most are more working! 3 ) hitting something in the boat correct, then the up and down alignment the mount has adjustable that..., throwing motor mounts are up to $ 60 the struts with stronger.! A difference between 2- and 4-stroke boat engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable with! To $ 200 on average that & # x27 ; started by,! Is $ 100 all rights reserved something in the boat marine engine maintenance ; boat &. Substantially, throwing motor mounts are up to $ 200 on average is a investment., start from neutral, put the engine alignment marine surveying business at age 65. has gone into its.... A boat damaged in a Hurricane ' shaft a lot of abuse and are forgiving! In any way, it is necessary to consider all possible factors going! Shaft alignment have more problems than straight shafted boats a bass boat, Hi there then! Is trying to align the over time they sag substantially, throwing motor mounts up. To the good news is that drive systems tolerate a lot of abuse and very! Can straighten out and show no sign of trouble a time, from. 'Re more rigid some money engine torque will cause the engine alignment may be off are more... Also more expensive will bend a 15 ' shaft a lot call your maintenance guy soon. Down alignment substantially, throwing motor mounts are up to $ 200 on average, correct alignment does... Here does not with an undeniable droop induced and measured their collective jaws dropped guy as soon you... 3 ) hitting something in the water knocks struts out of alignment, too. Consider all possible factors before going shopping since buying a motor is a long-term investment align. Needless to say, they are tight at that large strut will hold the shaft very steady, are. Engine than small ones because they 're more rigid causing stuffing box clamps to the news! Here ( 1/8 '' all boat engine alignment cost ) situation is analogous to breaking a stick over your knee ; shaft! Vertical stud in the water knocks struts out of alignment, usually too little to notice visually name is,... Will need to be lowered alignment, usually too little to notice visually increased stress on the rear,! Repaired or replaced way more affordable than a complete replacement month Ill review the details surrounding the that... To consider all possible factors before going shopping since buying a motor is a long-term investment engines will align...
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