Driving with trim in up possition

[Deanrw3]

Hi all, Long time reader here.


I have done some searching and can't seem to find this one. I know i read it somewhere.

I am wondering how far the outdrive can be trimmed up and still run the engine. I was always told to try to run it with the top of the outdrive flat ish.

I don't have a trim gauge, so i am always worrying out how high it is and if I will do damage to it. So what is the rule? Can i drive with it all the way up? I never have, but have seen people do it...

I see in the manual it says that trim cylinders can be no longer then 20.75" for trim down position (setting the trim limit) but says nothing about a length for up position.

To sum up my question: How high can i trim up and still run the motor safely?

thanks!
Dean

95 Merc 3.0lx Alpha 1 gen 2

 

[Don S]

Re: Driving with trim in up possition

That 20 3/4" is max trim up, not full down.
In the instructions it says to put the drive full down and adjust the switch so it stops at 20 3/4" when going up.

 

[Deanrw3]

Re: Driving with trim in up possition

Thanks Don i misread that...

So this is the safe trim up level that i can drive at? It seams someone disabled my trailer button. I can move the trim all the way up and down without the button.


So to be clear, when i get in the water i should trim all the way down, and my limit should stop me from coming up to far (and stay in a safe range)?

I have always been able to just drive it all the way down at the lake I boat at. But this weekend i went to a shallow lake, and i was wondering how far i can trim up safely.

Thanks,
Dean

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Driving with trim in up possition

I always start with the drive all the way down and trim up to adjust for comfort and efficiency.

 

[cadunkle]

Re: Driving with trim in up possition

Any higher than that spec and the drive is above the guide rails that support it. If in a bind you can trim higher up but at no more than idle speed to get out of the bad spot. Keep in mind if you trim too high your u-joints will bind and you will break a u-joint and possibly the ears on your shaft.

 

[Don S]

Re: Driving with trim in up possition

Basically, you start with the drive all the wy down. As you come up on plane, you trim up so the boat runs the best. Best speed and best rpm. If your rpm goes up and your speed drops, that's because the drive is coming out of the water, trim it back down. If the bow is porposing up and down on smooth water, you are trimmed to high. Trim it down.
Few people have gauges for trim. Learn how the boat feels and acts and you too will not need the gauge.
If you do have to trim it way up for shallow water, keep the rpms around idle or slightly above.

 

[Deanrw3]

Re: Driving with trim in up possition

what are some things that might cause the limit switch to not work?

I am trying to trace the wiring and it seems ok... but still working on that.

What else can i check. The trim just goes all the way up w/o using the trailer button.

Thanks!
Dean

----Thanks Don. That is exactly what i have been doing for the last year (1st year owning a boat). It was just the first time i really went to a shallow lake that got this mess started

 

[Don S]

Re: Driving with trim in up possition

Go to the link below. There is a complete section on troubleshooting the trim system. With wiring diagrams.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/14/14c1.pdf

 

[Deanrw3]

Re: Driving with trim in up possition

thanks don that is what i needed.

I guess the last owner just wired it wrong. I set the wiring up according to the diagram and it all seems to be working now.

Thanks a ton as always!

Dean