Alpha One Trim Up - Not Working?

[ORsouthpaw]

I have a 5.0 Mercruiser with an Alpha One. (1987) the problem I'm having is that the trim up switch is not working like it should. I tested the switch itself and it seems to be OK. Also the drive does trim up when using the "Trailer Button" and trims down just fine I'm pretty sure the pump and cylinder are OK. Any ideas on what else to look at or what could be causing the problem? Thanks!

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Alpha One Trim Up - Not Working?

Sounds a lot like your trim limit switch isn't working, thinks you are already trimmed up enough but it doesn't affect the trailer up or down.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha One Trim Up - Not Working?

Probably a trim limit switch problem on the side of the drive. All the trailer switch does is bypass the trim limit switch.

 

[ORsouthpaw]

Re: Alpha One Trim Up - Not Working?

How hard is it to replace the trim limit switch?

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha One Trim Up - Not Working?

First, here is a link to the online service manual for your drive.
Look in the troubleshooting section and it should step by step you through the process of finding out exactly what the problem is.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

Then, if it actually is the trim limit switch, here is a link to the installation instructions.

Installation Intsructions

 

[ORsouthpaw]

Re: Alpha One Trim Up - Not Working?

Thanks for the great links! Next question... How do you bypass the Trim Limit Switch? Can I just disconnect the two bullet connectors, then plug the male one coming from the trim up button into the female one going to the pump?

 

[ORsouthpaw]

Re: Alpha One Trim Up - Not Working?

Duh!!!! For those interested! I lowered the nose of my trailer to the ground and lowered the out drive. Low and behold my trim up switch worked. I guess the limiter was doing it's job after all and I just never had the drive down within the operating range. Whew, Glad I didn't drop the outdrive. I'm going to the river!8)

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Alpha One Trim Up - Not Working?

Thanks for the feedback (not all would admit that) but I guess it's a good one on the rest of us for assuming you were trying to trim up from the full down position!