Beta 20hp shaft alignment?

[Ammonite]

Anyone got any detailed instructions or advice on setting the engine/shaft alignment for a Beta (BD722) 3 cyl 20hp with std 2:1 gearbox? The manual I have is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. Can it be done with feelers gauges etc or do you need a dial gauge and if so what's the best way of doing this?. The engine mounts are all in good condition but there's an annoying vibration about 1800rpm (only in gear). Thanks!

 

[johna]

I have sent you a PM

 

[chippysmith]

That was helpful to other forumites then /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[johna]

it is a relatively large article from Sailing Today I thought too large to put as a post.

 

[Niander]

That was helpful to other forumites then

Bravo!

 

[Niander]

Actually i have a car type universal joint immediately after the engine
surely that means i don't need to bother with alignment?
or am i wrong?

 

[duncanmack]

If it is a Hardy-Spicer joint then, correct, you are wrong.

If it is a constant velocity joint then you're not quite so wrong. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

It is much better if the engine is lined up accurately.
The stern gland and the engine mounts will last longer, the fuel consumption will be lower and the engine will be happier.
As you can imagine, a happy engine is a good engine.

 

[pappaecho]

If the engine was running at 1800 rpm without problem and now is not, perhaps it would be worth looking at the propeller. At our club one member had a similar problem, and found a chunk of metal out of one blade of the propeller, which obviously was the cause. Must of hit something, but could not remember any such incident