SX-M Outdrive - Remote Trim Switch Keeps Failing

[83Evinrude]

I have a 2004 Volvo 5.0GL-D with an SX-M Outdrive

A couple of years ago I decided a remote trim switch would be nice, and installed one of these under the swim platform. Its above the waterline, but I'm sure gets regular splashes when the boat is slowing down quickly and at other times as well.

I hooked it up to three small wires I found on the relays for the trim pump, and it worked fine for several outings. Then I noticed you had to push hard on the buttons to get it to work at all, and shortly thereafter it quit for good. Seemed like maybe I didn't get a good one and since the holes were already in place, I bought another one just like it last year. Same story, worked great for a few outings then quit. Its seen fresh water only and appears to be well protected from waves, are these just junk or do I have it hooked up wrong?

Is there another reasonably priced switch that I should try, or are there particular wires that must be used to minimize current to the switch?
I've thought about just trying a 12-VDC 25amp rated on/off/on momentary toggle switch with a rubber boot on it but an email to a boat house selling them on eBay indicated this would not be a good use for a switch of that type.

Thanks for all advice

 

[Bondo]

Re: SX-M Outdrive - Remote Trim Switch Keeps Failing

I've thought about just trying a 12-VDC 25amp rated on/off/on momentary toggle switch with a rubber boot on it but an email to a boat house selling them on eBay indicated this would not be a good use for a switch of that type.

Ayuh,... Search out an Electrical site/ store 'n find a toggle switch...

It'll work, just Fine, when wired to the solenoids like the double push-button type...

 

[Don S]

Re: SX-M Outdrive - Remote Trim Switch Keeps Failing

How does it attach to the boat? Could it be on a curved surface and possibly distorting the switch when mounted?

 

[83Evinrude]

Re: SX-M Outdrive - Remote Trim Switch Keeps Failing

Its flat where the switch is mounted, so can't see any problems there.

Was looking at this switch, and I think its the right type but not sure of the brand.
I also can't seem to find anything rated higher than 25A at 12VDC, is that enough for this application?
Is a rubber boot enough to keep the water out in a place where waves cover it but not for long?

The seller didn't recommend it for a trim switch, but he's probably never seen a toggle switch used on the transom for that purpose.

 

[Don S]

Re: SX-M Outdrive - Remote Trim Switch Keeps Failing

The first thing you need to do is make sure you are tapped into the proper wires. There should be a 3 wire plug near the trim pump with a red, green, and blue wire in it. Usually around 16Ga. The relays usually take 200ma or less to operater (that is less than 1/4 of 1 amp) so the amparage of the switch is not a problem. UNLESS you hooked it up to a blue or green wire with white stripes. If you did, you are trying to run 50A or so through the switch and they won't last long.

 

[83Evinrude]

Re: SX-M Outdrive - Remote Trim Switch Keeps Failing

There should be a 3 wire plug near the trim pump with a red, green, and blue wire in it. Usually around 16Ga. UNLESS you hooked it up to a blue or green wire with white stripes. If you did, you are trying to run 50A or so through the switch and they won't last long.

Thanks Don,

I don't see that 3 wire plug unless it goes directly into one of the relays, as they are mounted wire side down.

There is a bundle of five wires coming from the starboard side to the pump assembly, which is located on the port side at the transom.
Two of these are very large (8-6ga) and are Red w/blue stripe and Black.
The other three are 16-14ga and are Red w/blue stripe, Green and Blue, I have these hooked to my current switch with clip-on wire taps.

This bundle goes behind then under the pump reservoir, then there is a Y where a number of wires go to the relays, two large one's to the pump connector (Blue and Green w/white stripes) and two small wires that are Red w/blue stripes wires go to a waterproof holder with a 10amp fuse in it on the side.

Is this connection ok, if not what should I change?

If my connections are ok, then I guess I need a better switch.
All suggestions for choosing one that will last are greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: SX-M Outdrive - Remote Trim Switch Keeps Failing

Sounds like you spliced into the proper wires.

 

[83Evinrude]

Re: SX-M Outdrive - Remote Trim Switch Keeps Failing

Since the wiring appears correct, is a momentary toggle with a boot a good option in a location that will have frequent waves washing over?
The switch will be mounted upside down but I guess if the boot isn't up to the task that won't help much.

Any suggestions for another type of switch that would work better are appreciated.
I don't want another one like I've been using though, either the boots on that switch don't work well enough or mechanically they are just poor.

Thanks.