OMC Hydraulic Selectrim Info

[NW Redneck]

Not sure if this is the correct forum, mods feel free to move.

I have a'75 OMC175 (Ford 302) with the Hydraulic Selectrim. There is no mention of this trim system in my manual. It only shows the manual and electric jack-screw types. I managed to get an exploded view from a local dealer, but this was all he had. It doesn't appear to be a very common option, so I'll post the pics I got here just in case it is usefull to anyone else with this system.

There is no trim indicator guage in my boat, and I would like to install one. What I can't figure out is how the trim indicator (#18 in the diagram) reads the engine position. There is a spring sticking out of the bottom of the indicator ,#18, that slides up and down in the housing, but the hooked end at the bottom of the spring is not connected to anything. The best I can figgure is that end should be hooked to something(?) and that sliding up and down is what indicates it's position. Where should this spring attach to? There is nowhere obvious I can see. Any Ideas?

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: OMC Hydraulic Selectrim Info

The arm basically measures the ram extension - distance between the barrel of the cylinder and the rod as it extends. My 3.8 works the same way- the body of the sender mounts to the barrel end, the arm rides on the rod end.

Those parts are also shown online on the brp parts site under engine mount group 175/190 w/selectrim:

http://epc.brp.com/default.aspx?brands=ej&lang=E&dealerlocator=no

I just put together a seal kit for the selectrim cylinders on my 3.8 for way less than the BRP/OMC prices. Highway robbery. Took me a while to cross reference them but it was worth it.
It looks like all the internal seal part numbers are the same here even though the selectrim system on the fords looks quite different than the 3.8/5.7 system.

EDIT - seal # 10 above is different from mine by 1 number

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: OMC Hydraulic Selectrim Info

Well I think I know what I need, can anyone out there confirm? I got down on the floor of the boat and crammed my head under the motor to have a look at the support (#24).

In the diagram, part #14 (retainer, support bracket) shows a line going to the rear part of the support where it is screwed on. After wiping away a little grime, I found a threaded hole that sits just under the spring from the indicator. So it appears that I am in need of a retainer, support bracket. Anyone have a spare one in the garage?

I think I'll just make a piece out of aluminum angle at work for now. Is there a way to calibrate trim guages when you install them, or is that set by the height of the retainer that holds the spring?

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: OMC Hydraulic Selectrim Info

Ok, there's gotta be someone out there that has one of these hooked up and working.
Anyone.......?
Anyone......?
Bueller.......?
Bueller........?