trim limit adjustment

picker523

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2006
Messages
130
My 87 3.0 merc trim seems to be working good but I want to make sure it's adjusted right . I read something about 21 3/4 " measurement on the trim cylinder. Where do you take these measurements from?
 

thrasher

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 23, 2007
Messages
443
Re: trim limit adjustment

The distance is measured between the centres of the two steel pins that mount the hydralic rams (one at each end of the ram), they usually have black plastic caps on them to make everything look pretty!!
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: trim limit adjustment

You have been here for a year and you haven't downloaded a copy of the OEM manual yet??????????

Here is a link to the complete manual http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf
You will find your answer on page 4A-12

To answer your question, from Centerline of front pin to centerline of the aft pin.
 

picker523

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2006
Messages
130
Re: trim limit adjustment

I have downloaded different sections but this is this the first I've heard of how to adjust the trim. I do search these threads before I ask but haven't been able to find this answer. Thanks for all the help you've given me Don.
 

wire2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 25, 2007
Messages
1,584
Re: trim limit adjustment

? Only trim measurement I'm aware of is a limit on extend (up) if you have a swim platform it might hit.
 

Don S

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Aug 31, 2004
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62,321
Re: trim limit adjustment

? Only trim measurement I'm aware of is a limit on extend (up) if you have a swim platform it might hit.


Trim limit is the maximum amount the drive can be trimmed up for running, the rest of the up movement is TILT. There is no limit control on how high they will go, short of spacers in the trim cylinders.
 

wire2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 25, 2007
Messages
1,584
Re: trim limit adjustment

Thanks for clarifying, Don. I will need to set that (soon, I hope) on my project.

Does the 21-3/4" distance not change with transom angle?
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 31, 2004
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62,321
Re: trim limit adjustment

Does the 21-3/4" distance not change with transom angle?

No, the limit is mainly for safe operation of the ujoints at higher engine rpms.
and that is the relationship between the transom shield and the drive. It's just a safety feature, and many don't even have it set or it doesn't work.
 

picker523

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2006
Messages
130
Re: trim limit adjustment

I adjusted it out and took it out today and it really helped.The boat was much lighter in the water. It has never run better. It sure is great to have all your hard work pay off.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: trim limit adjustment

In other words, untill this thread, you didn't even know you had trim or if it worked properly or how it worked?
 
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