trim gauge

[roffey]

Not sure if this is the place to post this question but here goes. My trim gauge is bad. It bounces all over the place. I had it checked at the marina and was told I need a new gauge and sending unit.
My question is if I order a new gauge (from Iboats) do I get the gauge and sending unit or is it two separate orders?
Another question is, should I replace the sending unit and see if that fixes the issue or just replace both?

 

[Texasmark]

Does it do it with the boat on the trailer? I think the sending unit is a mercury (element of nature) bubble moving around in a tube of some sort. I don't know how the sender translates this into a voltage signal. Guessing I would say this is pretty bullet proof. Meter movements can fail as can electrical connections due to loose contacts or corrosion.

If the problem isn't present on the trailer I'd bang on the instrument with my fist while operating the trim. If the meter jumps around you have a bad meter movement or bad connection. I'd loosen the connectors at the rear of the meter, move the wire lugs back and forth and tighten back up....repeat banging. HTH

 

[redneck joe]

My 1.5 cents worth of input here that you didnt ask for.

Unplug it and dont worry about it. Looks like you have an i/o. I've had most of mine with no guage. Just always hit the down button when starting out until it sounds down and go. Trim up as needed by the feel of the boat for the conditions you are currently in.

It will become second nature and im a fan of hearing/feeling the boat/motor talking to you - and more importantly you listening - over gauges. Youve been a member for a decade or so that assumes you are not new to boating.

My opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it.

 

[roffey]

Does it do it with the boat on the trailer? I think the sending unit is a mercury (element of nature) bubble moving around in a tube of some sort. I don't know how the sender translates this into a voltage signal. Guessing I would say this is pretty bullet proof. Meter movements can fail as can electrical connections due to loose contacts or corrosion.

If the problem isn't present on the trailer I'd bang on the instrument with my fist while operating the trim. If the meter jumps around you have a bad meter movement or bad connection. I'd loosen the connectors at the rear of the meter, move the wire lugs back and forth and tighten back up....repeat banging. HTH

it does it on the trailer and the water... The marina tested it and told me I need a new gauge and sending unit... he said it is a DIY job and was not trying to sell me on the job. I did take the sending unit apart and clean it up but it did not help.

 

[roffey]

My 1.5 cents worth of input here that you didnt ask for.

Unplug it and dont worry about it. Looks like you have an i/o. I've had most of mine with no guage. Just always hit the down button when starting out until it sounds down and go. Trim up as needed by the feel of the boat for the conditions you are currently in.

It will become second nature and im a fan of hearing/feeling the boat/motor talking to you - and more importantly you listening - over gauges. Youve been a member for a decade or so that assumes you are not new to boating.

My opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it.

I hear what you are saying and I can trim up and down by ear... The boat is a 2014 and was brand new when I got it... I hate when things don't work and it will drive me crazy.

I am the type that will chase a problem until I fix it or completely destroy it, lol

 

[Scott06]

it does it on the trailer and the water... The marina tested it and told me I need a new gauge and sending unit... he said it is a DIY job and was not trying to sell me on the job. I did take the sending unit apart and clean it up but it did not help.

Im not sure what outdrive you have on it? Edit see the TKS

Assuming they diagnosed it properly it is a diy. The gauge and sender are separate would get oem parts for sender vs the cheap after market stuff.
the issue is while you can replace the sender it is a PITA to get to, easiest done if bellows needs replacement. The merc factory manual outlines very well how to do it. Also you tube vids.
I left mine until bellows needed replacement …due to location of clamp where they go in gimbal housing

i think gauge can test by grounding sensor wire gauge should peg one way or other. Bouncing I might check power supply to it is clean and tight .

 

[roffey]

Im not sure what outdrive you have on it? Edit see the TKS

Assuming they diagnosed it properly it is a diy. The gauge and sender are separate would get oem parts for sender vs the cheap after market stuff.
the issue is while you can replace the sender it is a PITA to get to, easiest done if bellows needs replacement. The merc factory manual outlines very well how to do it. Also you tube vids.
I left mine until bellows needed replacement …due to location of clamp where they go in gimbal housing

i think gauge can test by grounding sensor wire gauge should peg one way or other. Bouncing I might check power supply to it is clean and tight .

Outdrive is a alpha1 gen 2.. I have never replaced the sending unit but,,, lol. youtube has a video
( https://www.google.com/search?q=tri...ate=ive&vld=cid:6af37775,vid:FW34OctBRkI,st:0 ).
This guy used the wires as a fish wire and pulls the new wires through? Its a good video as he buys after market wires... and they don't work. He suggests to by Quicksilver.

 

[redneck joe]

I am the type that will chase a problem until I fix it or completely destroy it, lol

Oh , so we're related?


i overcame that problem a couple three boats back. My wish for you is that you will also someday.

 

[Scott06]

Outdrive is a alpha1 gen 2.. I have never replaced the sending unit but,,, lol. youtube has a video
( https://www.google.com/search?q=tri...ate=ive&vld=cid:6af37775,vid:FW34OctBRkI,st:0 ).
This guy used the wires as a fish wire and pulls the new wires through? Its a good video as he buys after market wires... and they don't work. He suggests to by Quicksilver.

I tried sierra senders once didn’t work correctly… given age of your boat look at how the bellows are and decide if you want to do the sender alone. I suspect if you take the hinge pins out that will give you more access as bellhousing can flex on bellows

my bellows lasted 18 years but i bought the boat 11 yrs old w 37 hours so not much use. Bellows is also go OEM or go home ….