Engine alignment - how close does it need to be?

[Linescreamer]

I have the alignment tool bolted in. When sliding the shaft forward it just barely touches the PTO prior to entry into the splines. It can be slid forward about 1-1.5" into the PTO but does slightly tap the side of the opening prior to entry. Is this OK? I have tried shimming but still can not get the tool to slide in without a slight tapping prior to PTO entry. It looks like I would need to lower the front of the engine a bit more to avoid this issue. The problem is currently there are no shims under the front mounts and therefore I can't lower the front any more without doing something to the mount itself. What do you guys think?

 

[Dr Honda]

As long as you can slide the tool, in and out of the PTO without binding... that's fine. You will never get it "Absolute" since you are dealing with plastics. (in the pump and hull)

If you look at the splines on the shaft... they are rounded. That will allow for a slight miss-alignment... but the more off center you are... the more likely you will destroy the splines in the PTO. (or bend the shaft)

 

[Linescreamer]

Thanks Doc! I was looking for absolutely no contact with the alignment tool and the PTO. Based on your statement it sounds like that never happens so, it's probably as good as it is going to get.

 

[mikidymac]

I agree with the Dr. I was working on my GTI for 3 hours trying to get it perfect but it go to a point that one shim in any direction would make it worse. The tool went in about 1/2" but then you had to give it a hard push to get it all the way in. So you just have to get as close as you can.

 

[Thumper3322]

From what I know, you should be able to push it all the way with one figure. It may touch, but not much.

Also, after you get it as close as you can, you can shim the tool where pump would go to see if you can make it any closer.

 

[Linescreamer]

I agree with the Dr. I was working on my GTI for 3 hours trying to get it perfect but it go to a point that one shim in any direction would make it worse. The tool went in about 1/2" but then you had to give it a hard push to get it all the way in. So you just have to get as close as you can.

Exactly what mine was doing.

 

[Linescreamer]

From what I know, you should be able to push it all the way with one figure. It may touch, but not much.

Also, after you get it as close as you can, you can shim the tool where pump would go to see if you can make it any closer.

So, you shimmed under the alingment tool mounting plate with a washer and then left it there when bolting the pump back on?

 

[Dr Honda]

So, you shimmed under the alingment tool mounting plate with a washer and then left it there when bolting the pump back on?

Yes... you shim both the pump, and the engine mount to get it right.