Anyone know why Merc started using the triangle flex plate design over the doughnut crankshaft mounted couplers? I'm replacing a spun triangular coupler and I have a new crank mounted doughnut here in the garage.
My main concern being strength of the doughnut vs tri flex plate design?
I have the early Alpha 12 3/4" style flywheel but the bellhousing has been modified to fit the triangular coupler.
Probably because it's faster to assemble and cheaper to make, and install. Figure for small, crank-mounted coupler: pull flywheel, install 6 studs, then install coupler, and hand tighten nuts to design torque. Install flywheel cover. 10-15 minutes per unit.
For triangle style coupler: Put coupler in place, align bolt holes, install 3 bolts with automatic torque gun, install flywheel cover.
2-3 minutes per unit.
Translation: Save lots of labor cost.