Just a few questions to the pros...

[rhillman75]

So I winterized it last year the hard way (starter went out) in the start up process. Let's just say that vacuuming the oil out with or without the machine and the engine cold, still takes a long enough time to drink some cocktails. With that said, I have a few questions:

I had a problem with the trim guage while in gear and moving forward (very inaccurate on the guage). Some said it might have been due to me and the mis-alignment when adjusting the sending sensor when I re-installed them after I had to re-solder the link wires on one time when I noticed a break and the guage didn't work at all. Regardless, I think it's time for new sensors. I just had the bellows job done last year so I am wondering that if I have the housing pulled to run new sensors, can the bellows be re-used? If the bellows can be re-used, what can I use "safely", chemical wise, to remove the old glue? The gimbal bearing was done about 2 years ago. Should I replace it while I'm in there? The shift cable was done the same time the bellows was done, so I feel safe that it is okay.

So here it is:

1. Get a new bellows kit when I do the sensors?
2. Should I replace the gimbal?
3. Shoud I replace the shift cable again?
4. If I can keep the bellows, what can I use "safely", to clean the glue off?
5. When setting up the trim sending senders, should the sending unit be done first and then the trim limit (trailer position) be done second?

 

[dubs283]

Re: Just a few questions to the pros...

never reconnect broken sender wires, once they break/crack/corrode, replace both sender and limit switch

you don't have to pull the bell housing to replace the senders, you don't even have to pull the drive - but you do have more access with them out of the way

if you decide to pull the drive and bell housing, laquer thinner works well to remove the bellows adhesive, ive never tried anything else really

as far as the bellows and shift cable if they are less than 3-4 years old and in good shape they are probably okay, merc recommends five years on bellows replacement - your call

replace gimbal? you mean the gimbal ring? shouldn't be worn out in two years, should last the life of the boat if properly installed inspected and maintained

either sender or switch can be set first

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Just a few questions to the pros...

Yes, it sounds like you may be looking to spend some money. If the things have been recently replaced, which it sounds lik it, then no real need to replace, unless there are obvious problems.

I too have installed new trim/limit senders without removing any of he gimbal assembly 'stuff'. It is not easy, but do-able.

if truth be told, I have also soldered the wires back together when they were broken (sheared), but otherwise fine.