Inline 6 cylinder motor mount adjustment

[moneyhole]

I have a 77 V-20 with a 165 hp Merc inline 6 banger and it has become apparent the engine is very slightly out of alignment. It was running and shifting, but when installing a newer stern drive, I couldn't get the input splines to line up and I am looking at renting or welding a tool for such.

Here's my problem, how on God's green earth, or in our world blue-green, do you attempt to adjust the motor mount shaft - up/down. There is simply no room to get large wrenches into the engine box which is closed in from the factory where the adjustment shaft is. I don't see how it can be done. My engine only needs about an 1/8" adjustment (guessing without the factory tool )but what do you do to loosen the large nuts, adjust your shaft up or down , then tighten the large lock nuts ? Is there a special tool or do I have to cut out the enclosed engine box (don't want to do this unless absolutely necessary)
Open to all suggestions. Thanks

[i4110peter]

Sorry to tell you this but I have the alignment tool for this procedure. I had pulled my 165 for rebuild and bought the alignment tool to reinstall. All it is is a heavy rod with splines on one end. You push this in through the back into the engine and it is aligned when you can insert it and remove it without grease showing on the spline. let me know if you want more details or a picture of the tool. I would be willing to sell the tool cheaper than you can buy it if you want.

[moneyhole]

4 Pete Sake,
Heck yea, what are you asking for it? Is your front motor mount completely boxed in like mine is? There is only a couple of inches to even try to adjust the motor mount shaft. There has to be a trade secert in leiu of taking the motor loose & lifting it out.
I've seen a couple of old Galaxie's that has the mount wide open & exposed when you lift the engine cover, but not my 77 V-20.
I don't see how it's done without cutting a section of the floor out (not doing that) or haveing to remove the engine as stated. Damndest thing. Since I got this boat, I have not had one bit of luck with it...had it almost a year & still havent had it in the water to see if I have any other pending issues.
I sure hope she's going to be worth all this trouble!! aahhhhh - getting to the point working on this thing, I'd make a sailor blush!!