Just got my new guages

[toolsinbox]

454 with alpha 1 outdrive.

I have my new guages. They are stock quicksilver instruments the temp guage needle is sitting at 160 degrees without being hooked up.
Is this normal ? How can I tell which sender goes with it? Temp guage #79-816933

Now the trim guage #79-817033. Can anyone tell if this is for my alpha outdrive. Or a outboard. I think there is a difference.

Thanks much.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Just got my new guages

Since they are quicksilver gauges, they will require Merc senders or the generic equivalents. Your Merc dealer is the starting point.

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: Just got my new guages

So I went to the merc dealer and got a temp sender. I am sure I can get this working. Just a bit of tracing.

I didnt do very well with my question about my power trim so i will attempt to ask it here.

I have a trim guage that is not working and I dont have any limits on my power trim. The service guy said that to change the trim limit switches would be 1500 buks. Yikes. I told him that it was a bit complicated because the research I have done shows three switch positions or switches. One for up, one for trailer ( all the way up) and one for down. I only have an up down rocker switch. I told him that my trim worked smoothly up and down I just didnt have the limit protection and the luxury of a trim guage. He then told me that would probibly cost 2 grand if they had to diagnose the trim. He then took a phone call and ignored me. Well I then left the service counter and went to the parts area and proceeded to spend 200 bucks on temp sender bat switch and a few light bulbs. Needless to say I was not impressed with the service manager and his outragious quote.

I guess I am resigned for the time being to not have a working trim guage and no trim limits. I am fine with that as I know what s what with the trim but my wife will have to get schooled as to how far the leg can be trimed up when under way. Maby after the boating season or if I break somthing which ever comes first I will rip appart the leg and wiring and just do It. I am not gunna pay that clown 1500 buks tho.

 

[John_S]

Re: Just got my new guages

While it sounds high, I don;t have insight into normal costs. Look up in the I/O forum sticky area and download the service manual for your drive. Then read up on it and see if it is something you want to tackle. Trim problems, while electrical are better asked in that forum. You will want to post your drive type in the question.

You say you only have a single rocker. Does this raise and lower the drive through the complete range, including the trailer position? If so, your biggest risk is shallow water running where you might accidently get into the trailer range, and the u-joints will take a beating, and if raised high enough with enough engine power it might break something. Putting the drive all the way down (in) it will make a slight grunt when it comes to stops. As you accellerate and get on plane, adjust it out to the "sweet" spot. If you go too far it will cavitate. Once you practice enough, you will have a good idea how long to leave your finger on the button.

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: Just got my new guages

as far as the temp gauge reading 160 not hooked up, its ok. i just got new gauges and mine was the same way. i hooked it up and it went to normal.

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: Just got my new guages

thamks galaxy. I will hook up and let you know.

John thanks for your input. 21 foot scarab with 454 alpha drive. rocker switchfor up and down. I have done quite a bit of reading and relize the trim guage is not as important to me as just having the guage work. I dont need the trim guage to work. Its just a comvience and a safe guard for my wife. I am re doing my guage pannel and will ignor the trim guage. after reading about the wires and fishing them etc. I bet a weeks lunch that the previous owner bypassed the senders even tho i havent checked. The trim indication issue seems to be a pita. I will wait.