Has anyone self-changed the trim sensors on a 3.0 XL Alpha One drive?

[JCL93m]

Has anyone self-changed the trim sensors on a Mercruiser 3.0 LX/ Alpha One drive? Mine is a 1994-Is this a doable thing or is this an item to definitely bring it to a shop?
Thanks,
JohnnyL

 

[Scott06]

Has anyone self-changed the trim sensors on a Mercruiser 3.0 LX/ Alpha One drive? Mine is a 1994-Is this a doable thing or is this an item to definitely bring it to a shop?
Thanks,
JohnnyL

Depends on your skill level. Yes definitely doable. I did this as part of a bellows replacement last weekend. Its not hard , just tedious. I deal job for skinny young guys...

Personally I would wait until you need bellows work, if the trim limit switch is bad you can jumper it out to have the trim work without using the trailer button...

Definitely get the factory shop manual #14

 

[Drcoffee]

Isnt it possible to cut the wires and solder new connections at the outdrive? I would think that a little liquid electrical tape covered with shrink tubing would seal it completely. Then its just a matter of swapping sensors.

 

[JCL93m]

Isnt it possible to cut the wires and solder new connections at the outdrive? I would think that a little liquid electrical tape covered with shrink tubing would seal it completely. Then its just a matter of swapping sensors.

Unfortunately the wiring is basically shot they use a cheap version of a lamp cord that has insulation missing heading up into the boat so replacement of the wires was part of the reason for replacing the Pucks. I'm hoping someone that has done this knows how to do it without removing the outdrive and gimble housing...

 

[Scott06]

Unfortunately the wiring is basically shot they use a cheap version of a lamp cord that has insulation missing heading up into the boat so replacement of the wires was part of the reason for replacing the Pucks. I'm hoping someone that has done this knows how to do it without removing the outdrive and gimble housing...

You can get in there I think you need a funny wrench or wobble extension

@achris - didn't you talk about a modified tool to do so?

here is a video doing it

 

[JCL93m]

You can get in there I think you need a funny wrench or wobble extension

@achris - didn't you talk about a modified tool to do so?

here is a video doing it

Scott, This looks doable Thank you!! JohnnyL

 

[1960 Starflite]

The T & T wires on my 1979 Century crumbled into nothing several years ago. I ran new wires up and over the transom. Lasted until Bellows job a few years later.

 

[achris]

@achris - didn't you talk about a modified tool to do so?

My bendy spanner? Yep...

But I'd really LOVE to get a hold for some of those 'self-changing' trim senders!

Chris...

 

[tpenfield]

Not the easiest thing to change, but do-able. The place where the wires feed through the transom can be a challenge. The manual says to take the bell housing off . . . BUT . . . many of us have found a way to access the retaining bolt with the bell housing intact (as mentioned/shown above).

Still, it is one of my least favorite jobs, but it is nice to know the (approximate) position of the outdrive.

 

[Scoots]

Has anyone self-changed the trim sensors on a Mercruiser 3.0 LX/ Alpha One drive? Mine is a 1994-Is this a doable thing or is this an item to definitely bring it to a shop?
Thanks,
JohnnyL

Good morning! I change mine out several years ago and it was a piece of cake. Instead of pulling the outdrive and all of that, I simply drilled a small hole above the outdrive and onee on each side of the housing and fed thru there. it took me all of 15 minutes to do. There is a video on Youtube on how to do it. Go to Youtube and search "mercruiser trim sender" .....should be the first video to pop up.

 

[todhunter]

But I'd really LOVE to get a hold for some of those 'self-changing' trim senders!

Nah, you need to get some of those Bluetooth trim senders.

 

[nola mike]

Not the easiest thing to change, but do-able. The place where the wires feed through the transom can be a challenge. The manual says to take the bell housing off . . . BUT . . . many of us have found a way to access the retaining bolt with the bell housing intact (as mentioned/shown above).

Still, it is one of my least favorite jobs, but it is nice to know the (approximate) position of the outdrive.

I think it's worse on a gen 1. Ted, if you had a smaller boat you could just turn around and see if you're kicking up a wake...

 

[tpenfield]

Bravo outdrives 'seems' to be a bit better in the access to the 'hidden' bolt. Not sure it would be called good.