Wellcraft Boat Owners Forum

Hi, I'm Bill, new to the forum but not to boats. Current project is restoring my 1980 Nova 250 XL. Twin 350 Mercruisers with the original MC1 drives. Drives have been pulled and new gimbal bearings installed but now having alignment issues with the engines. Using the recommended alignment tool but cant get it much past an inch into the coupler. Engines were not removed so I'm confused as to why its out of alignment. Will be replacing the front motor mounts on both as they are corroded to the point there is little to no vertical adjustments. Wondering if anyone has had similar issues and discovered any secrets to the alignment process.

Welcome Aboard, I don't mess with Merc. stuff very often, but I will say on the Volvos I do some times the drive shaft o rings will make it difficult to get the shaft in all the way, If the motors weren't pulled the should not be an alignment issue

Was able to pull the old mounts on the starboard side and discovered they must have collapsed. Each is about 3/4 inch shorter than the new mounts. installed the new mounts and I was able to get the starboard engine aligned with the gimbal bearing. Will have to work on the port side next weekend. But now the problem is that the old holes where the lag screws go are stripped out and the lag won't tighten up. So thinking I may have to fill the holes with JB Weld and re-drill, or go to a larger lag screw.
Old boats............ you gotta love em!

Check The Stringers, Those years are known for stringer rotten stringers. If there good your plan would work ether way