1982 Mercruiser what are the wires for...

[uponahill]

we have a 1982 Mercruiser 120 I had to take engine out to replace the coupler there are 2-2 wires black (look like lamp cord/wire) coming out of the stern unit they are corroded bad and falling apart (mouse must have chewed the cover off them) I am sure there useless now and have been for some time what are they for or do? are they part of the 'Daisy chain'/grounding?

 

[GA_Boater]

Most likely wiring for the trim limit switch or trim gauge sender.

 

[uponahill]

WHEW!!.. Good deal, Thanks! I'll reinstall engine and won't worry about them we don't use and never have used the auto trim button anyway we get away from the bank drop it down and pretty much idle/half throttle around the lake to fish

 

[AShipShow]

When you say drop it down, I'm assuming your talking about the outdrive. If those wires short out, or break, you won't be doing any adjustments to your drive. One pair is for the gauge, and the other is the trim limit, which makes the trim pump stop at its limits (aka, move the drive up and down).