2005 MC 197 non-slot I thought I had a bent drive shaft because I could see it wobling at the packing seal and if I held a screwdriver tip against it while in gear at idle you could see and feel that it wasn't true. I even checked it without the prop installed and it still wobbled. When I pulled the shaft and rolled it on a granite countertop it appears to be true. I hit a turtle last year and had the prop re-done by OJ. I'm wondering if it also bent the skeg? I was going to re-install the shaft and check the alignment but I have some questions on how to verify it. I understand that you install the shaft and check the coupler to transmission around the coupler in 4 places with a feeler guage. What is the procedure before you measure as when the coupler is tight there is zero clearance? Do you start to tighten the bolts and when you get close to tight but can still get the feeler guage in do the measurement and alignment? After alignment you then pull it tight?  If the skeg is bent is aligning the engine to match it  a problem as long as the shaft is relatively straight throught the hull exit opening?  Also, the washer that holds the o-rings in the shaft seal wore a grove in the shaft. It's as if the engine is lower than it should be and pulling the seal and short hose section down. I'm thinking I should order a new washer but is there a more flexible alternative to the short piece of hose which would alow the seal to float easier?  And lastly, does the engine need the alignment regularly adjusted over time? If so what is causing it to move, motor mounts wearing out? Thanks Rod A.Â