Amel C-Drive Alignment

If you are looking for PART TWO of this sequence, Look here (It's FREE!):
/ aligning-amel-c-111155851
Aligning the drive engine to the Amel C-drive is a critical maintenance procedure. If ignored or done incorrectly, much expensive damage will eventually be done. This is a two-part series on why this is important, and how it should be done. Required watching for all owners of a Amel Maramu, Super Maramu, or Amel 54 with a C-drive power train.
Here is a like to a drawing for the tool used to do the alignment:
fetchinketch.n...
www.CruisingCon...
Products mentioned in Parts 1 and 2 of this presentation (some of these will be affiliate links where I might get a commission, but that has no effect on the price you pay.)
The best silicone grease for general use on a boat:
Molykote 111
amzn.to/3Td1kBb
Nickel based anti-sieze compound. I use this stuff on just about every nut and bolt in the engine room. Mariner's Choice Never-Seez:
amzn.to/3Z6s6yX
Best puller for removing the Vetus coupling from the C-drive Shaft. Be sure to shop around for this one, the price varies greatly from one vender to another.
Bucks Algonquin 50MCP00500 Flange Puller
www.deepblueya...

[@steveburton5825]

I really like the PSA announcements that you are doing lately on proper techniques for Amels. Having followed the forum for years and seeing constant references to the proper technique for aligning the C drive, I must admit that I never really got a good mental picture of what was required before this. You have a talent for explaining things well and the reasons behind them. I agree that there are lots of videos out there that contain bad or dangerous information (not just on Amels). As a confirmed DYIer, it is great to see someone I trust break this down so when I get my Amel, I know I can handle it. Say hi to K. BC

[@adambody1709]

Thanks Bill!

[@SVLiahona-ch4ze]

Great Video Bill, good to see and have accurate information on this critical system.

[@ullherweck9630]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@jonunya3128]

very interesting. thanks for the video.

[@henriquegonzalezgarciafilh4845]

Very helpful, thank you!!

[@joeanderson9056]

Great timing as I'm in the process of reinstalling my c-drive and engine. Also, great information. I've seen the question asked a few times on the forum with no answers. The video was a great way to explain. Thanks for taking the time to do it and keeping it professional without naming names. Well done. Do you have any words of wisdom when it comes to setting up the frame when it comes to reinstalling the upper c-drive unit? It seems like that first set up is very important.

[@billkinney4794]

Joe, On the setup of the C-drive I have some words. How wise they are... I am not sure. But here goes. You want the C-drive to be in the position it "wants" to be in. The way to get this is to release it from its restraints. Release the C-drive from the mounts that secure it to the frame, and if you really want to go all the way, you can loosen the hose clamp on the rubber sleeve that holds it in place. I haven't worried too much about that second step because there is no adjustment to it and there is no change in that geometry with time and use.

[@joeanderson9056]

@@billkinney4794 Thanks. As I 'replaced all the mounts my initial plan was to set the frame to the height it was when I removed it and make adjustments from there. I now understand that I should set it lower, drop the upper C-Drive unit in, bring the frame up to the upper C-drive unit, and drop the engine in and adjust per your videos. I'm reinstalling the C-Drive and engine frame today so this is really just in time. Thanks again.

[@billkinney4794]

@@joeanderson9056 Great to hear it was a help! That's why it is here.

[@user-bv1jy5bl6y]

Great Bill. Testing and found out that it needs to be fixed during the winter. I need to buy aligment tool from Amel?

[@billkinney4794]

You can buy the alignment tool from Amel, or have a local machine shop make one for you. It's a pretty simple part! I have posted a link to the drawing in the video description. And here: fetchinketch.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/c-drive-alignment-tool.jpg

[@user-bv1jy5bl6y]

Thank you Bill. I will order it from Amel as I am in Europe. Great video and thank you again.

[@billrouse4540]

Excellent.

[@billkinney4794]

Many thanks!