New member with trim gauge question

[OcalaBR]

Hello all,
I joined this board because I have a question that I can't seem to find the answer for by searching the net; hope someone can help.

I just purchased a new 18' Monterey BR with a Mercruiser 3.0L/Alpha 1 setup. I don't believe that the trim sender and/or trim gauge is functioning properly but the dealer disagrees and will not do anything about it. Please clarify if I am right or wrong:

At first the gauge would only move from the bottom of the scale with the drive trimmed full down, and 1/4 of the scale with it trimmed full up (NOT trailer position, just the up limit for safe operation). I've had two previous boats and do not remember this being the case. Instead, I remember the gauge moving close to full range for trimming and pegging at the top for the trailer position.

The dealer agreed to adjust it but all the did was move the initial position of the needle. It now starts at 1/4 at down, and moves to 1/2 when trimmed up.

Am I right or wrong on this? If I'm right, how can I prove this to the dealer so they will fix it?

Thanks in advance,
David

 

[180shabah]

Re: New member with trim gauge question

That is probably about right. it is normal to use 1/4 to 1/2 of the gauge in the "trim" range and the top half of the gauge registers only when the drive is tilted up to the trailer position.

When I got my boat I adjusted the gauge so that the needle was on the bottom line when the drive was parallel to the hull so that I could "see" when the drive was tucked in for takeoff. Guess what, after all of that I found that I never use the gauge anyway. It is the most useless instrument on the dash.

 

[45Auto]

Re: New member with trim gauge question

My boat uses the full range on the trim gauge. Drive all the way down will put it past the lower mark, drive all the way up will put it past the upper mark. I adjusted mine so that at the trim setting where I cruise 90% of the time it's aligned with the middle mark.

It's easy to adjust so the needle points at a certain position (just loosen the sender screws on the outdrive and turn the sender). I don't know of ANY way to adjust it so that you get more needle range on the gauge. I think that would be a function of the resistance of the gauge. It's basically a glorified voltmeter. If you know someone with a spare gauge lying around hook it up and see how much range it has. If we were going to visit the in-laws (in Ocala) any time soon I'd bring you a spare to try out!

 

[Bondo]

Re: New member with trim gauge question

I don't believe that the trim sender and/or trim gauge is functioning properly

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard....

Personally,...
I give the Trim Gauge the float test,+ replace it with a more useful Gauge...
Then drive the boat with the "Seat of the Pants" Gauge.....

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: New member with trim gauge question

I just put a new sender on mine and am using a 32 year old gauge but my trim gauge read's accurately all the way up or all the way down. There is no in between reading.

I keep the drive all the way down in the water or all the way up trailering anyway.
I was thinking last time I was out how useless the trim gauge is and how I wish I had an oil pressure gauge up front, maybe I should do like Bond-O says but thankfully I have an engine mounted mechanical oil pressure gauge in addition to my 32 year old annoying as heck oil pressure alarm.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: New member with trim gauge question

That is probably about right............................................................................................. Guess what, after all of that I found that I never use the gauge anyway. It is the most useless instrument on the dash.

Agreed

 

[OcalaBR]

Re: New member with trim gauge question

Thanks for the info guys. I still think it's useful in skinny water but sounds like I'll have to live with it the way it is.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: New member with trim gauge question

As long as the gauge repeats correctly it should not ne an issue. ie Indicated full down is full down, and the gauge always stops at the same place. Half way up indicates 1/2 of the trim gauge movement between full dawn and full up. Using the trim control button that is.