Engine Mount Adjustment

[TheSpeedRacer]

I noticed this evening the port side engine mount position has moved at some point in its life.  The boat is a 2001 Cobalt 226 (454 Mag MPI, 598 hours) and in excellent condition.  We have owned the boat for the last 21 years.  You can see exposed threads under the top lockout nut.  It appears the washer tab was never bent down to prevent the adjustment nut from moving.  My question is, can I move the adjustment nut up and re-seat against the lockout nut or do I need to get the engine aligned?

[TheSpeedRacer]

After looking at my horrible picture again, it actually looks like the rear tab on the washer was bent down. So then perhaps this is the position the mount has always been in?

[jhnmdahl]

I wonder if there was at one point a locking tab on the top nut too, and it being gone is a part of the issue? I'd for sure snug the top nut down for the time being, but I think you may be right about the bottom nut still being locked into its original position.

Not a bad idea to have the outdrive alignment checked as part of end-of season work anyway, especially given what you've found here.

[TheSpeedRacer]

There's no locking tab on the top. I believe the top lockout nut is a nyloc nut.

[Kate]

"top lockout nut"

Though they're called "locknuts," they can come loose -- especially after years of vibration. A dab of Loctite or nail polish can help.

[jhnmdahl]

The nylon insert can become less effective over time too, with both age and as they move up and down a threaded bolt or rod. If it's a nyloc nut and has migrated up that far on its own, I'd buy a new one (or maybe a new one for each mount) and put it on.

[TheSpeedRacer]

Not saying the top locknut did not it walk its way up, but at present it is firmly in place. I did not put a socket on it, but it’s not movable by hand.

I dropped the boat off today to have the outdrive pulled and serviced. The engine alignment will be confirmed while the outdrive is removed.