brittle wires coming through top of outdrive

[crossent]

I am getting ready for summer and while replacing the fuel line I noticed the wires coming through the top of the outdrive are broken down and falling apart. It looks like the wiring is not rated for this type of use and almost looks like a household cord. I am not sure what they are for but I assume it is the trim guage? Can you just tape them up to keep them apart until I repair or do I just cut them? Can they short out and cause a melt down?

 

[joncrisler]

Re: brittle wires coming through top of outdrive

It sounds like you are describing either the trim limit switch cord, or the trim sender cord: both of which look the same and have a 2-lead wire that looks like 120v home electrical cord. You could try to patch them back together, but make sure its waterproof. You did not identify your year or drive, but I will assume its some sort of Alpha 1 drive. Those switches are a bit of a pain to change out- the cords have to be pulled and reinserted back to the trim guage. Some models allow you to just disconnect the switch and reconnect the cord, but your case its the cord itself that is damaged. These cords are inserted through the transome plate so they have to be done in a way that maintains the seals (i.e. do it carefully or it will leak).

 

[crossent]

Re: brittle wires coming through top of outdrive

Sorry bout that. 85 VIP 140 mercruiser / alpha I drive. Can you cut and splice in some new wire? Looks like some kind of resistor wire. Mine look like they plug into a switch located on the trim pump/filter housing.