Tilt and trim gimbal switch info for Pe-Alpha Outdrives

[23x8io]

The engine is a 1968 Mercruiser straight 6 cyl 160. The out-drive a type one pre-alpha ser#C2125004A. Both look to be original to the boat. The lift cylinders on it have two hydraulic lines each to them. The dash mounted tilt and trim switch control has three buttons. The two wires at the gimbal were in such bad condition when the boat was purchased I could not tell what the correct wiring should be with this setup. With two styles of switches listed in the parts manual, what is the difference in the switches. Both are two wire switches. There is a #39672A1 and a #45942A1. I have been told that one style is NORMALLY OPEN and one style is NORMALLY CLOSED. Is this true and witch is witch? The switch is to stop the up travel on the outdrive. Thanks for a reply

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Tilt and trim gimbal switch info for Pe-Alpha Outdrives

Those switches are NLA (no longer available), so you'll need to by-pass the switch and use your judgement while trimming the drive. My 73 was bypassed I never had an issue trimming too high, just keep an eye on the trim gauge. The PO shorted the wires together with a Scotchlock faint2 and it still worked. (Don't use a scotchlock...)

 

[achris]

Re: Tilt and trim gimbal switch info for Pe-Alpha Outdrives

The engine is a 1968 Mercruiser straight 6 cyl 160. The out-drive a type one pre-alpha ser#C2125004A. ....

Where are you getting that serial number for your MC-1 drive? It's not a valid Mercruiser serial number. Looks more like a part number for a component.

With 2 hoses to each ram, you have power trim, so the switch you would need is -45942A1 (normally closed), which is no longer available. Most people do one of 2 things. Either ignore the problem and use the top 2 buttons to bring the drive up, or link out (short) the connectors on the trim system harness that the switch wires go to and just use the centre button to bring the drive up, remembering that you have no switch to limit travel.

Chris..
(I did find 2 on ebay, but they are not cheap... http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...TRC0.X45942A1&_nkw=45942A1&_sacat=0&_from=R40)

.... The PO shorted the wires together with a Scotchlock faint2 and it still worked. (Don't use a scotchlock...)

Those things are evil, and should NEVER be used in a boat (or car or caravan or ANYWHERE!).

Just put a couple of male bullet crimps on the ends of a one inch length of wire and you're good to go.

 

[23x8io]

Re: Tilt and trim gimbal switch info for Pe-Alpha Outdrives

Thank you for the quick reply. The serial number is a good one from under the upper side Mercruiser decal on the out drive. I did manage to acquire a new switch but did not know if It was the right one. With the info in you very helpful reply I will check it out. After a rebuild of the lower end and new paint the out drive works very well. The only thing that did not work was the tilt gauge and stop switch. As soon as warmer weather comes back the VOM will come in handy to get things working again. Thanks again. Looking forward to Spring!