Alignment question

[Ray Garcia]

I was down below this evening aligning the engine and shaft couplings. I eye balled the alignment and used a light and mirror to get the couplings as close as possible before switching to the feeler gauge (.010) I got it as close as I can with adjusting all 4 points.

When the couplings are separated the shaft coupling end moves about 1/4" in all directions. Is this normal? Should there be this much play on the shaft end? I just installed a new cutlass bearing. I don't think the bearing is moving nor the shaft tube. I have already epoxy faired the external area where the shaft exits the hull.

When I bring the couplings together and measure with the feeler everything is good. Also when I turn the couplings together I do not feel any misalignment nor perceptible wobble.

The shaft end moving when couplings seperated concerns me.

[Kurt]

A little bit of wiggle is normal. The cutlass bearing is made of rubber which is somewhat soft and resiliant....hence the movement you've noticed.
Kurt

[Ken Textor]

Ray,

It needs that much play for when you foul a line, pick up a plastic bag, etc. If you could be watching your shaft when something like that happens, you'd notice it jiggling a bit. That's normal and prevents some stresses from reaching the tranny. In larger engine setups with larger shafts, more torque, etc., this much play might be a concern. But in a lil' ole sailboat engine, nah.

Ken
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