sl 750 94 engine alignment

[ic]

I just purchased a 94 Polaris sl 750 used with a bad engine already removed from the PWC. I just purchased a new engine from SBT. All the parts are in plastic bags (unmarked). looks like there are some shims for the engine mounts. How do I make sure the engine is aligned properly?

[Bryan Glynn]

You need to have a dealer align it with the proper tool.

[DavidF]

BG, there has got to be a better answer than that. I will need to do the same very soon. Let's thing outside the box.......

[Bryan Glynn]

Sorry, but with a splined driveshaft, you need the rigid dealer alignment tool to properly shim the engine.

If you want to 'shadetree mechanic' the job, don't be surprised when your front main bearing gets shreded and/or you strip your splines out.

[ May 21, 2002, 09:27 AM: Message edited by: Bryan Glynn ]

[ic]

I talked to a service department about allignment. they asked if I had the new updated spline coupler with rubber. I said no. they waid if I use this that allignment is not as critical. what do you think? where do I get such a coupler for a decent price?? He said that if I use this coupler and things align without forcing that this would be suficient?

[Bryan Glynn]

I am not aware of any fingered coupler for a Polaris 750.

Alignment is critical no matter the type, however. If you mis-alin a splined type you rish stripping the splines. Fingered types can also easily destroy the front main bearing in a a few hours time or less.

[DavidF]

Ok, since I am about to drop in my engine, I paid my local dealer a visit. I asked what was involved in aligning the driveshaft/engine. He said just make sure the shaft cleaning and easily engages the coupling. Qoute: "just eyeball it". He said they have the special tool. Just as the manual indicates, the special tool is nothing more than a rod - one end the size of the pump bearings, the other the size of the coupler. I see no reason why this cannot be performed by the DIY'er just a well as a dealer. If nothing else, make a "special tool" with a wood dowel or two.

[Bryan Glynn]

Good luck.

[pro785lim]

I'm with Bryan on this one, engine alignment is critical, as he said it will strip the splines out and cause bearing failure.

and you should install the coupler update kit, it includes the coupler, drive shaft, shroud cover and nessisary hardware, this kit retails for around $230.00 and ca be found at your local dealer......

[jetranger]

I have a 92 sl650, when I rebuilt my motor
the drive shaft and coupler were in really
bad shape. I replaced the coupler on the
engine and added a new shaft. When I reinstalled the engine,
I found the alignmentwas way off, it was so bad I had to use my die
grinder on the motor mounts to line it up. I just
eyeballed it. I installed the shaft and noted how much it moved up, down and side to side. I kept adjusting it till the shaft had equal play
in all directions. that was two years ago. I just pulled the engine last week to do some work on it and every thing was in perfect shape.

[DavidF]

Yep, I suspect you are fine. I simply installed the shaft and used straight edges on the shaft and coupler to line everything up. You will notice that the shaft is somewhat rounded on the splines to allow for a SLIGHT misalignment or to compensate for flexing of the engine mounts.