2003 Fourwinns 180 freedom 3.0 sx outdrive.

Ronrymanr

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Jun 14, 2022
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The trim Motor works as it should. The gage always indicates as down position.
If I unhook the wire connection inside the bilge and connect the wires togather coming from the gage? Will this jump the needle or is it by grounding the positive side? If I turn the drive to port is the selinoid accessible? Is it possible to replace the selinoid without pulling intire wire loom through the transom? Any experience out there with this year and type of trouble shooting? Maybe a link towards previous posts for research before taking anything apart?
 

dubs283

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You ground the sender wire from the gauge to test it by jumpering the boat side of the connection. Gauge should peg up, applying 12 volts to sender wire for gauge should peg down.

Turning drive hard to port gives you access to the sender, it's not a solenoid.

You replace the sender and wiring as one part, there is no "cut and paste" option. Yes, you must remove the whole assy including wires/plug through the gimbal housing and replace as such
 

Ronrymanr

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Thank you. Do you know if the 2003 sx outdrive has the same clip style that is very hard to unclip?The clip is where the wire passes through the transom. This needs to be sealed?
 
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dubs283

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The plug is the seal, remove the old clip to remove the old plug/wires. Clean any corrosion from the plug seat and spray a light amount of power tune when installing the new plug. Up to you to reinstall the clip with the new plug, I personally do not reuse the clip, ymmv
 

Ronrymanr

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The plug is the seal, remove the old clip to remove the old plug/wires. Clean any corrosion from the plug seat and spray a light amount of power tune when installing the new plug. Up to you to reinstall the clip with the new plug, I personally do not reuse the clip, ymmv
I understand. Is power tune silicone spray? RTV kinda sounds off.
 

Bondo

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I understand. Is power tune silicone spray? RTV kinda sounds off.
Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Quicksilver Power Tune is an outboard motor tunin' spray, by Mercury,....
A tiny bit on a rubber part makes it slippery, Super Slippery,....
That way the plug will push into place, sealin' the transom by the pressure of the over-sized rubber part, in the undersized hole,....
 

Ronrymanr

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Since it's stuck in full up position would that indicate a short in the grounded side? Would it be worth the effort to unbolt sender cover and check the condition of the 2 terminals? The gage worked 3 months ago and has not been in the water since. Is there 2 lugs that are apparent with the cover off the sender on the outdrive or is does that only apply to a mercruser type sender?
 

Ronrymanr

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Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Quicksilver Power Tune is an outboard motor tunin' spray, by Mercury,....
A tiny bit on a rubber part makes it slippery, Super Slippery,....
That way the plug will push into place, sealin' the transom by the pressure of the over-sized rubber part, in the undersized hole,....
 

Ronrymanr

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Jun 14, 2022
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Thank you. Can this step you describe be accomplished outside the boat? And the clip outside or only from inside?
 

baker556

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Jul 5, 2020
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140
Ron - two bolts on the sensor, take them out, sensor will pop out with some effort, be careful not to break the plastic shroud.

Check the wiring, it's unlikely damaged, water probably got in somewhere, purchase a new one and feed the wiring up through the transom using the old wiring (taped together) - pull this into the boat, then snip the old wiring, attach new and good to go.
 

dypcdiver

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Nov 1, 2005
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Secure some light cord to the clip before removing it as finding it in the bilge wastes a lot of time. Furthermore put a knot in one of the wires on the inboard side as some times the wires slide through the rubber plug, which then makes life difficult without removing the engine.
 

Ronrymanr

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Jun 14, 2022
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Ron - two bolts on the sensor, take them out, sensor will pop out with some effort, be careful not to break the plastic shroud.

Check the wiring, it's unlikely damaged, water probably got in somewhere, purchase a new one and feed the wiring up through the transom using the old wiring (taped together) - pull this into the boat, then snip the old wiring, attach new and good to go.
Looks like a previous MCGIVERED sending unit.
 

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