Trim Limit Switch Wires

[Sidserv]

Is there a secret to running new trim limit switch wires without pulling pretty much the motor or the outdrive? I would rather not drill a new hole in the transom but not opposed to it either. Too crippled to be cramped up in the compartment for too long. If anyone has a secret please let me know. 76 StarCraft 120 HP Mercruiser Pre-Alpha outdrive

 

[Bondo]

Nope,..... It's usually done at the same time the bellows are replaced, when the bellhousin' is already off the transom,....

 

[Sidserv]

Well that"s a bummer. Bellows are only 2 years old and in good shape. I will have to do some thinking about this. Not a fan of extra transom holes. I do have a hole for my transducer cables and such. I might just extend the wires and run them through there for a temporary 3 years basis.

 

[harringtondav]

Good luck with that. The sender/switches I've replaced failed when the wires broke at the sender. And this was with a spec installation where the wires were routed and well secured under the bell hsg. So take care to secure and protect the wires.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Hi --- whats the exact problem -- sensor / switch failure or wiring.

I ask as its possible to make a watertight crimp connection that should hold until the next bellows job and just replace the senor or switch.

Use a bare metal crimp ( remove plastic coating if needed ) and apply anti corrosion grease under heat shrink. Work the grease in so it oozes out when the shrink takes place.

Also -- Make sure its not just out of adjustment and also that the bolt is tight that the sensor center is inserted into. If its spinning the setting will be off each timethe bolt moves- I had this happen on a used bought I bought - loctite was not used on last bellows repair.

If the wires are shot many people do without and use jumpers until the next bellows change.

In the end its your call -- but these are a few options that may be of help.

 

[Sidserv]

The speaker looking wire that was used is shot. The entire wire harness was pretty much shot and I have been replacing it over time. I already jumped it last year and it worked fine. Just would like to get it back to where the gauge works one of these days.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Yes not sure why they use rubber coated wire which dry rots -- perhaps its less water absorbent when below the water line.