when i install my rebuilt 787.....

[1800chall_tim]

i currently have one of the 787's out of my challenger being rebuilt at fullbore in michigan, since i will be installing the original engine back in and all the shims are still in place on the engine mounts, do i still need the alignment tool? there isn't a local dealer near me that has one i could rent. i know i can use the one at SBT and get half the money back when returned, but is it a must???

 

[1800chall_tim]

BTW, fullbore has off season deals going on right now. total engine rebuilds and top end kits at discounted prices. and they extended there warranty on rebuilds to 3 years !!! when i last talked with them they were backed up like 5-6 weeks, but here in northern WI. i won't be needing the boat anytime soon. 2 feet of snow in my back yard!!!

 

[Dr Honda]

Welllllll................


It's up to you. If you know... for 100% that you are getting your block back... and you know for 100% that your engine was aligned properly when you took it out... then you can get it straight enough. (I've done it myself a few times) Personally... if it was my boat, and the engine left my hands... I would use the tool. The price of the tool will outweigh the potential costs if it's out of align. (Bent driveshaft, Burnt out PTO, pump rebuild) Not to mention... being dead in the middle of the lake on a nice day if you throw a driveshaft.

The up/down and Left/Right alignment isn't a big deal. The big problem is angle differences.

The cheapest way to get the tool is NOT rent it from SBT. (That's $75) Buy it... use it... then post it here for sale for $100. That way you are out only $50... and someone else here will get a deal.


As a final note... did you keep all the shims in place on the pump?

 

[Guest_User]

^^^ agreed, just get the SBT alignment tool, it will pay for itself... in the end if you ever decided to sell the boat, you can also sell the tools...

if those mounts are original, chances are they have "settled", have everything on the engine prior to alignment so all the weight is on the mounts, exhaust etc... leave the rubber hose off between the tuned pipe and the water box to make it easier to move the engine fore or aft.

your driveshafts/PTO and pumps will thank you in the end...

don`t be surprised if you need to re-shim or add a small shim to any mount location... the number one issue with a carbon seal leaking is a misaligned engine.
the PO of our challenger really had things screwed up...

good luck...