Shift Lever Question

[tablerockboater]

2008 Suntracker Party Barge . . . . Up Trim does not work when remote shift lever is in forward. It seems like something is probably getting disconnected with shift lever in that position. Any thoughts . . . is this a DIY thing?

 

[Chris1956]

I am not sure what motor you have, however, most will trim in forward. It sounds like a bare wire or some other mechanical issue in the shift handle or controller body. Maybe a wire shorts or the ground breaks when in forward, but connects in neutral?

 

[matt167]

I am not sure what motor you have, however, most will trim in forward. It sounds like a bare wire or some other mechanical issue in the shift handle or controller body. Maybe a wire shorts or the ground breaks when in forward, but connects in neutral?

I agree. Those wires going to the switches are fragile on every brand remote. And they need to move to work

 

[tablerockboater]

2008 50HP Merc. Suntracker Party Barge 18.

What I'm asking is whether this is a DIY thing. Can I get into that shift level and see what's disconnecting, or is that something best done by my boat mechanic?

 

[flashback]

Your asking folks here to assess your abilities. We don't know you.

 

[nola mike]

2008 50HP Merc. Suntracker Party Barge 18.

What I'm asking is whether this is a DIY thing. Can I get into that shift level and see what's disconnecting, or is that something best done by my boat mechanic?

It's DIY for me, but not for my wife. Many on this site DIY full restorations, so...

 

[tablerockboater]

Your asking folks here to assess your abilities. We don't know you.

I'm asking how involved DIYing a shift lever is.

You don't need to know my abilities, although I am a super-talented, well-rounded, very personable, highly intelligent, multi-skilled person.

 

[airshot]

If you really have all those abilities, then you should have already researched the issue with your make and model of your motor and knew if you had the ability to service it.

 

[flashback]

I'm asking how involved DIYing a shift lever is.

DIY capabilities vary I can build a house but not an a bomb. I suspect you can.

 

[tablerockboater]

If you really have all those abilities, then you should have already researched the issue with your make and model of your motor and knew if you had the ability to service it.

So, no use asking the experts!

 

[tablerockboater]

I would like to know why I don't get a notification when there is a reply. I thought I had the setting right. But, then, I guess that raises the question as to whether I have the ability to DIY a shifter!!!!! (which I don't know any better now since no one has described how to go about it)

 

[tablerockboater]

If you really have all those abilities, then you should have already researched the issue with your make and model of your motor and knew if you had the ability to service it.

To give you an opportunity to be helpful, where do you suggest I look for that? Can you provide a link? 2008 Suntracker Party Barge 18, 50 HP Merc. I googled it before coming here, but came here when I didn't what I needed.

 

[flashback]

If you're motor has a trim limit switch, that could be causing it not to trim up.

 

[airshot]

To give you an opportunity to be helpful, where do you suggest I look for that? Can you provide a link? 2008 Suntracker Party Barge 18, 50 HP Merc. I googled it before coming here, but came here when I didn't what I needed.

If your going to work on an outboard motor, you need a factory service manual, as mentioned on these forums hundreds of times. Use the make, model and serial number of your motor to find everything you will need !
Your working on the motor, what boat it is on makes no difference.

 

[tablerockboater]

If you're motor has a trim limit switch, that could be causing it not to trim up.

Thanks for suggesting a possibility. That's helpful. It trims up when the shift lever is in neutral and reverse, just not when it is in forward.

 

[tablerockboater]

I've decided if I have to live with it, I can live with it. This evening when my wife and dog wanted to go for a ride, I trimmed it up a little bit when it was in neutral, and then just left it there. Since it's just a 50 HP on an 18' pontoon, it's not like I need to trim it to get it on plane.

 

[tablerockboater]

If your going to work on an outboard motor, you need a factory service manual, as mentioned on these forums hundreds of times.

Gosh, I've been here 19 years, and missed that!!!!

 

[tablerockboater]

Different motor, same process:

 

[tablerockboater]

Different motor, same process:

After watching that, and seeing all the little things that could be lost or damaged, and the disassembly and reassembly process, I have decided to live with it the way it is. That will change if the trim switch on the shift lever stops working altogether.

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, at least take the cover off on the handle and look at the wires. If you don't see anything, you can always replace it.

I predict it will break more.....