Adding a Trim Gauge

[AdmiralQ]

A little while ago I purchased a boat with an 88 OMC 3.0L Cobra sterndrive. There isn't a trim gauge equipped on the boat. I would like to add a trim gauge so that I have a general idea of where the outdrive is. I've just been working on it in the driveway and I'm already sick of walking back and forth from the helm to the stern to check where the drive is. I have the manual for the engine and the schematic shows a trim sending unit, wire connector and trim gauge equipped with the tilt/trim system. Obviously the gauge isn't equipped on my boat, but I was wondering if the trim sending unit and wiring connectors would be there and I could just get a trim gauge, calibrate and be all set. Otherwise, is it feasible, or even possible, to purchase the sending unit and gauge and install it on the outdrive? Unfortunately, the boat is already winterized and covered, so I don't have an opportunity to see if the sending unit is there on the starboard side of the gimbal ring like the manual states. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Lark40]

Re: Adding a Trim Gauge

I have a non-working gauge on mine, and plan to fix it when I pull the stern drive later this winter.<br /><br />I think that the Cobra drives are basically the same, so would think that you could easily add or replace the trim sensor on yours.

 

[geriksen]

Re: Adding a Trim Gauge

You should be able to just look at it and see the sender. If it is there, adding a guage is easy. Thurn the wheel to the left, raise the drive all the way and look for a black plastic thing with a little lever sticking out of it. If you see that you are all set. All the guage will need is one wire coming from the sender. Power, ground , and light can come from one of the other guages. A service manual will tell where to find the sender wire in the harness. <br />If it is not there you may want to re-think the project. Ususally you have to take the bellhousing apart to install or replace a trim sender.