Trim Gauge problem

[navicache]

I searched the forum and was not able to locate anything related to what I am having as far as a problem, so here goes...<br /><br />i have a 1996 Imperial 21' w/ 5.7 mercruiser.<br />My trim gauge does not seem to work and was wondering if I should be looking in a certain area for the problem/fix?<br /><br />Not a good boat mechanic so kid gloves would be greatful.<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[boathog]

Re: Trim Gauge problem

the trim senders on the midsection under water do not last long and the wires seem to break . haul the boat and take a look.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Trim Gauge problem

Could be the trim gauge itself, do you have a volt-ohm meter? Should be able to check voltage at the gauge, move trim, see if voltage changes. If so, faulty gauge, if the voltage doesn't change, bad trim sensor? Of course, there's the chance no power is present at all. If the wires are broken at the sensor, outdrive will have to be removed to repair.

 

[navicache]

Re: Trim Gauge problem

I am now starting to think its the senders also because the only way I can raise the trim is with the trailer switch. Also the trim gauge is pegged at up, this I guess is the symtoms for that problem?

 

[bamadave]

Re: Trim Gauge problem

Probably 2 different problems. Trim gauge works off the trim sensor.<br />Trim switch(up & down) works with the trim limit switch. Tells the foot when to stop, trailer will only let it go higher. Hopefully Don S or someone else will post the link for the diagram here. You will have to determine if your problem with the trim switch is in the switch or the wiring, or solenoid. Buy a test light to see if you're getting voltage at the trim pump solenoids, green wire for down, blue wire for up.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Trim Gauge problem

I thought it was green wire for up,blue for down..

 

[bamadave]

Re: Trim Gauge problem

Gary, blue for sky=up, green for grass=down

 

[navicache]

Re: Trim Gauge problem

ah...the reason I thought it may be my trim switches was this post on a website...<br /><br />"Symptoms<br />The Trim Position Switch operates the Trim Gauge.<br />When the Trim Position Switch fails, the gauge usually pegs to "full up".<br /><br />The Trim Limit Switch prevents the driver from 'over-trimming" the outdrive while under way.<br />It is an important limiting feature which prevents damage to the drive and/or loss of control of the vessel.<br />Trimming the drive unit up too high while the boat is running can cause serious damage and/or injury.<br />When this switch fails, the TRIM BUTTON does not work. Only the TRAILER BUTTON will work.<br /><br />When one switch fails, you will end up replacing both switches. This is because the switches are sold in sets of two. Both the Trim Limit and the Trim Sender switches are sold together as a pair.<br /><br />Replacing the switches requires removal of the drive and bell housing.<br />These are the same procedures for replacing the Ujoint Bellows."<br /><br />This is pretty much what I have for symptoms

 

[Don S]

Re: Trim Gauge problem

Instead of just finding a post that sounds right, or "Someone elses boat did this" or just plain throwing a bunch of parts and labor at it, why don't you just look in the Mercruiser service manual and follow the troubleshooting charts.<br /><br />Here is a link to the manual.<br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/14/14cover.pdf