Trim limit switch adjustment?

[chuck in WA]

1985 merc 140 (Alpha MR, I belive).

Here's what my Seloc manual says: "Loosen the two adjusting screws securing the switch housing. Rotate the housing counterclockwise until a distance of 6 1/2 inches can be measured between the outer edge of the end cap and the center of the aft pivot bolt (on the hydraulic cylinder). Tighten the screws to hold the adjustment."

What? That's all the info it gives! I assume I need a helper to operate the throttle switch while I twist the limit switch?

What I'm trying to do: My trim/tilt controls are on the top of the throttle handle - one inside for trim, the other outside for trailer tilt. The trim switch is not adjusted properly, and allows me (or my wife) to trim the engine too high while it is running (to the point the u-joints complain). The above discription from the book doesn't seem to be of any help.

How much up trim is "standard" before the limit switch cuts the electric flow to the hydraulic pump? How do I adjust the limit switch to this level?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Trim limit switch adjustment?

Here's a link to an online manual. Scroll down to page 4A-11 which will be indicated on the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Online Manual

 

[Don S]

Re: Trim limit switch adjustment?

If you wasn't trying to use one of those cheap aftermarket service manuals you would have better luck adjusting it.
Here is a link to a free ONLINE Mercruiser service manual for your drive.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

Go to section 5F and go to page 5F-5 for instructions on adjusting it.
And yes, the easiest way to adjust it is with a helper. You can do it by climbing in and out of the boat, should only take an hour or so, or you could get a helper (aka WIFE) and do the job in about 2 minutes........ OK, 10 after all the explaining. But it's still faster.

 

[chuck in WA]

Re: Trim limit switch adjustment?

Perfect, thanks guys!