Inboard engine alignment recommendations ?

halmatic · 02 October 2015, 20:04

Hi all,
I have been doing up a 9 meter Halmatic rib for a while now and need a recommendation of someone who knows what there doing for some engine alignment.
The engine is a Iveco 280 hp 2800rpm lump and it is directly coupled to a Australian Doen Jet via a Centa flexible coupling.
I'm in the Surrey Area but it is on a trailer.
Thanks

James Harris

Nightfisher · 05 October 2015, 07:53

Need more inf, James
What are you aligning the engine to the outdrive (seems not a huge deal with a flex coupler); The outdrive to the stern? Give a big amount of info and include pictures.

halmatic · 05 October 2015, 09:42

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Here is the engine and the jet flange ( right pic)

halmatic · 05 October 2015, 10:04

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In the top right corner is the coupling with the jet flange coupling side detached.

halmatic · 05 October 2015, 10:05

So the engine has to be aligned to the jet flange.

halmatic · 05 October 2015, 10:11

Rokraider · 05 October 2015, 11:24

Does the Doen have its own gearbox? I have got a Hamilton Jet on my Pac 22 and spennt a lot of time trying to get the engine height and angle correct. The Hamilton workshop manual has a lot of information about propshaft angles and installation. I wonder whether Doen have a downloadable manual with the same info?

halmatic · 05 October 2015, 11:28

Hi, yes got all the manuals and jet angle is perfect just need to find someone to align the engine with the jet .

Thanks

James.

Rokraider · 05 October 2015, 11:44

I am surprised. I would have thought the Doen manual should have the recommended propshaft angles ( can only be achieved by moving the engine mounting height and tilt of the engine) if it is showing how to install and align the jet?
Here is a link to Hamiltons manual, it covers engine installation and propshaft angles. I imagine the principles will be the same. http://www.hamiltonmarine.co.nz/incl...t%20Manual.pdf

halmatic · 05 October 2015, 12:35

What engine and rpm have you got in your 22 and what is your top speed, just curious.

Cheers
J

Rokraider · 05 October 2015, 13:48

I think the Ford Sabre (6 cylinder, 6.0 litre) produces around 250BHP and revs to about 3000 RPM, making 1.5 BAR boost. Top speed is pretty abysmal, It is strong rather than fast, It is a great towing boat, but no speedster. I think the best I have seen is 27 Knots, but the engine hasn't been run in yet, so I haven't been pushing it. I doubt whether it will do better that 30 knots, it is very tail heavy and takes a while to plane unless I use the trim tabs. They make a huge difference and help keep it in a straight line, without them it can be a bit of a handful at speed.

Erin · 05 October 2015, 20:33

If it is a typical flange to flange connection then it is fairly straightforward with a set of feeler gauges. You may have to make a spacer equivalent to the Centaflex. Google shaft alignment for shaft drive boats and you'll find lots of articles. The Centaflex website might have a procedure for it. Certainly R&D couplings have a system whereby you use a feeler gauge and rotate the shaft a quarter turn at a time and take a new measurement. You then methodically tweak the engine mounts until the gap is averaged out.

halmatic · 06 October 2015, 17:02

Thanks Erin, that's good advice.

Todd Grimley · 08 October 2015, 11:57

Call Frank at Doen Jet in Melbourne, Australia on 61 3 9587 3944. He'll tell you exactly what you need to know! All the best.

halmatic · 08 October 2015, 13:58

Hi, been in talks with frank and sent him most the spinning parts of the jet +had a few new bits, in fact I owe him a few beers if I ever get to Australia.
The only thing I need to do is get a basic engine adjustment so that its aligned, I don't want to / can't be bothered to do it and want it done properly so I was looking for a person or company to do it for me.
I have since found someone to do it, so thank you for all your help.

Regards

James Harris

Nightfisher · 08 October 2015, 13:59

The important alignment is to first connect the engine-output flange to the output shaft. Followed by aligning the engine mounts to the keel which is done by using a johnson bar and correct six-point socket on the crankshaft outer bolt. This will force the engine to align to where the engine mounts must be secured exactly. So, the last part of the assembly is actually the engine mounts. As the crank is hand turned using the johnson bar the engine will shift to perfect alignment.