Wonky trim gauge

[montyburns]

Hi all, I'm new to boating and I'm here to hopefully get a bit more educated about this costly sport that I just got into! I recently bought a 1996 16'
Campion Allante I/O with 3.0 Volvo/Penta. The problem I have is the trim gauge needle vibrates like crazy. The trim/tilt seems to work fine but I'd like the gauge to be functional. I did have the boat in a shop for other issues and he did look at it and the tech said it was a major pain for repair. Something about a cup? Where can I start to troubleshoot? I assume the gauge is OK. Thanks for any info.

 

[Don S]

Re: Wonky trim gauge

You could start by telling us what engine, and outdrive you have. Full model or serial numbers would be handy. Volvo has used many types of gauges and senders over the past 50 years.

 

[montyburns]

Re: Wonky trim gauge

OK, thanks, hope this helps. 3.0 Volvo GS #4110130411 Transom Shield # TSK-SX C1-6AS. Leg # 3B68397.Other markings on leg (SX-CTi-1-97), (4112023436) The leg is the Penta SX Cobra. 1996 Campion Allante 525 Vri I/O, Hull # Z8150518B696. I hope this helps.

 

[swihartart]

Re: Wonky trim gauge

Hi Monty,
I'm just taking a shot at this cause I'm somewhat new also...but here's my thoughts.

I'd start with trim guage especially connections. There are sender units on your outdrive, 1 is a trim indicator and the other is trim limit. First one tells your guage needle where to be the second cuts out the switch before you trim your drive too high and damage your drivetrain. DO NOT run the boat with your drive trimmed way up it's really hard on the u-joints etc.

If your connections on the back of the guage or on the sender are loose or corroded I would think that the guage would behave "jumpy" from vibrations on connections or the guage is simply bad.

They sell them online for 20 - $30. Actually, alot of boaters don't need the guage, if you search this forum you'll read why but the short answer is you get to know where to put your trim by pump sound at idle, when under way the boat responds to the trim and lets you find the "sweet spot".

Hope this gives you some ideas.
Sean

 

[montyburns]

Re: Wonky trim gauge

Well, that's seems like a logical place to start. I figured maybe a sending unit was pooched or something. Is there a way to bench test this gauge? Thanks for your help.