Trim Switch

tank6029

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Mar 22, 2008
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I am a newbie here, so have paitence, I have read through a lot of the forums to try and seek advice. I need some assistance with my 1991 VIP Vision, 1991 Mercruiser Alpha I, 3.0 Ltr, 4 Cyl Engine.
The problem I'm having is with the trim. With the engine in the fully down position, the trim will engage for about 3 seconds, then stop, however, I can trailer it all the way up. It will not engage when the motor is in the fully up position at all. But the trailer switch will engage. I can lower the motor using a jumper on the green/white wire, and I can raise by using a jumper on the blue/white wire. I have tested for volts on all the wires, have checked the 20 amp inline fuse. I have looked at all the wires inside the throttle handle. I cannot see any signs of corriosion or damage. All fluids are good. Any advice on next move.
 

Don S

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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Trim Switch

There is a trim limit switch on the drive that allows only so much movement.
From all the way down to about 21" center to center on the trim rams up. From there you have to use the trailer button. It's working properly, but 3 seconds means nothing, it's the distance the drive goes up is what you have to check.
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,448
Re: Trim Switch

I have looked at all the wires inside the throttle handle. I cannot see any signs of corriosion or damage. All fluids are good. Any advice on next move.

Ayuh,..... You're looking on the Wrong End........

Mounted on the sides of the gimbel housing are the Trim Limit Switch,+ Trim Sender,......

It sounds like your Limit Switch is Way out of Adjustment......
Or,.....
Starting to Fail outright....
 

Don S

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Re: Trim Switch

One other note. Being a 91, you could have either an Alpha I or an Alpha I Gen II drive.
 

tank6029

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Joined
Mar 22, 2008
Messages
3
Re: Trim Switch

Thanks for the quick replies Mr. Don, and Bond O.
ok, don't know if i have an alpha 1, or alpha 1 gen II, the serial number is OD 533175. the cover says mercruiser 3.0 alpha I. This is where I'm at now, I tried to bypass the trim limit switch from different post that I have read, and now the trim toggle button will allow me to move the motor up, but not down, whereas before the trim toggle switch would not do anything. I can only get it to go down when using a jumper to the green/white wire. thought I would keep ya posted. anymore words of wisdom. thanks for all the help.
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,494
Re: Trim Switch

Remove the jumper and retest.it sounds like it was working.
have you tested the solenoids? the trim button operates the solenoids and the solenoids operate the trim motor.
 

Don S

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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Trim Switch

It is a Gen II drive.
The same solenoid works for both trim up and tilt up.
Best thing to do is some actual troubleshooting, not just jumpering and hopeing.
Here is a link to the online service manual
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/14/14cover.pdf

Have a look at section 1-C it will tell you how to find the problem.
 

tank6029

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Joined
Mar 22, 2008
Messages
3
Re: Trim Switch

to all thanks for the help and advice. i took the solenoids off, and cleaned everything up real good, put it back together, with the help of the manual Don sent. and it all works again, as it should. even the limit switch is working correctly. again thanks to all.

tanker
 
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