Home grown trim pump test guage

[Radarman68]

So, after having some issues with my outdrive trim system, I researched how to test the pump. Mercruiser makes a Hydraulic Pump Test Gauge Kit, Quicksilver P/N 91-52915A6. The only problem is it costs around $300. I thought, MAN, I can make that for way less!

Off to the local ACE hardware, purchased a pressure guage ($25), some fittings, adapters, two valves (all for $25 more), and presto, new test guage for a total of $50 bucks.

I am just posting this so you folks can get some ideas and see that it can be done.

Oh, and I found my pump is working fine. the trim cylinders were just hanging up. Once lubed them, I got them moving just fine.

Shade tree mechanic for the win.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Home grown trim pump test guage

Looks good. My only concern is did you verify those fittings and valves can handle the thousands of PSI?

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Home grown trim pump test guage

Agreed... That looks like a class 125 bronze tee, typically rated for 200# water @ 72 deg, 125# steam @ 400 deg. Other parts look to be LP too, based on cost. At minimum, I would make sure those parts are HP rated, at least to 3000# (HP SS fittings are typically good for 2750# [304] and 3000# [316], and some to 5000#, 6000#, 15,000#).