Trim Indicator

[Easy Rider]

Where do I start to check on a trim indicator that doesn't work? The drive trim works but the indicator doesn't move. It's 1996 5.7 Mercruiser with an Alpha One drive.

 

[Jerico]

Re: Trim Indicator

On mine, on the port side of the gimbal is about a 2" round disk that is the trim limit switch that keeps you from trimming up too high while moving. On the right side is the trim sender. It drives the gauge. Here is a link to the thread where the guys here really helped me out on this: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=197507

Hope that helps.

 

[Easy Rider]

Re: Trim Indicator

Thanks I'll give a try!!

 

[atthelastminute]

Re: Trim Indicator

Maybe I missed something in that linked post, but I didn't see anything about the trim gauge, only the trim limit. You should have two sets of wires coming into the boat through the transom. Most likely the problem with your gauges it that these wires are corroded. Assuming they are not one set goes to the hydraulic pump wiring for the trim limit, the other set should go to your wiring harness that then goes to the dashboard.

If you can find this wire you can use a multimeter to test that the sender is working, which it probably is not. If it is working than I would say you have a wiring problem at the gauge, or a bad gauge.

Seems like most people on this board and others view the trim gauge as an unnecessary extra, and it may be, but I like having all of my gauges working, so I spent the time and money to replace my sender and it works quite nicely now.

If you do have to replace the sender or wiring it does require removing the outdrive and bell housing, so it is not really worth doing if you don't have to remove the bell housing for other reasons like bellows replacement.

Steven

 

[antsmands]

Re: Trim Indicator

Steven;

Thanks for your reply on this subject. My trim gauge is not working and like you I prefer to have all my gauges functional. You response is what I need to get my gauge fixed.

A. Davis
1986 Sea Sprite
Merc 140/Alpha I

 

[atthelastminute]

Re: Trim Indicator

If your trim limit switch is also not working, make sure you get that fixed too. If you have to buy a new sender, you will have to buy the limit switch at the same time since they only sell them as a pair. Now that mine is all fixed up and working, I am surprised how little trim up you can do under power when the limit is set right. I am sure I ran mine at least moderately into the trailering range before.

In spite of the small amount of travel, the needle on my gauge travel about 3/4 of the range under trim, and the last quarter is tilt.

One last thing to mention. Somewhere on this site is an explanation of how to replace the wiring through the transom without removing the bell housing. After having mine off, I can see how it would be possible, but it isn't easy. I also had two screws holding mine in and one would not be accessible, but newer models have only one screw that is accessible, so I left the hard to reach screw out during reassembly.

Let me know if you have any questions once you start working on it.