Drive Shaft alignment: What did I do wrong?

So as you may know, I picked up a boat with a bent strut. I had the strut straightened. Although the shaft was straight, it was fairly worn - so I took everyone's guidance and went double taper.

So a few setup points:

- I have watched Brainard's video at least 6 times.

- I started with aligning the strut to position the shaft in the middle of the log. I had to shim the aft of the strut with two washers on both rear bolts to get it positioned properly.

- With the strut tight, and my father taking a little weight of the shaft (helping hold it toward the middle of the log from the trans side) the shaft turned very freely.

- When I pushed the two couplings together, they were like a glove. Couldn't get a .003" feeler in ANYWHERE. Shaft still turned with little effort

But when I tightened the bolts on the coupling, the shaft has more resistance - too much IMO. I'm going to start over again on the couplings tomorrow AM, but I feel a little confused because I followed the steps to a letter, and everything seemed like it was going VERY smoothly. Where did I go off course?

Last - does someone have quick link to directions on using the motor mounts to align the driveline? I just need to know the process (turn bolt left, motor goes up, etc). If not, I'll search when I get home from dinner... just wanted to get this up and get some eyes on it while I dine.

Thanks in advance...

Got it. Duh.

BuffaloBFN wrote: LilRichard wrote: Last - does someone have quick link to directions on using the motor mounts to align the driveline? I just need to know the process (turn bolt left, motor goes up, etc). If not, I'll search when I get home from dinner... just wanted to get this up and get some eyes on it while I dine. I haven't seen a write up like that. Look at how they work; they are all standard threads.

Sorry, wasn't inferring that's how they worked, I just have not ever adjusted inboard motor mounts before and was using that as an example...

Ok, got the motor perfect vertically - how in the heck do you change lateral alignment? It may be easy, bu tI certainly can't figure it out...

SNobsessed wrote: To change lateral position, loosen the pinch bolts & use a prybar to push engine. Hint, mark the bars before you pry because it usually breaks free & moves more than you want. Yes, this is tedious!

Thanks for the quick reply! I actually figured it out just staring at it, and got it to .003 by some miracle. Now to tighten it all back down and re-assess.

Too bad it's now raining...

One last question: I found it in a post here but want to verify: the packing I need for the stuffing box is 3/16", correct?

Gracias.