Trim Limit Switch Replacement / HELP!!!

[gwp]

1989 5.7 Mercruiser Alpha One<br />My up trim is not working, solenoid not clicking. The down trim works and the "trailer" trim works up and down. I have no continuity between trim limit switch leads from where they leave the trim motor. There are two trim limit switches on my outdrive, left and right. The wires leading to the left one are bare and one is even broken. Obviously, that seems to be my problem. My Clymer shop manual only mentions ONE limit switch and gives no instructions as to how to replace it. Again, mine has two???? Now the big question....what is the procedure to replace it..them?? I assume that the whole outdrive must come off to replace them since the wires must be replaced too. DESPERATE! Please help. Thanks for this forum, as the manual sure isn't much help.

 

[gwp]

Re: Trim Limit Switch Replacement / HELP!!!

In searching this site, I learned that the outdrive must be removed in order to replace the trim limit switch and wiring. However, someone wrote that they spliced the wires and drilled a small hole thru the transom above the outdrive to feed the wires thru, and it worked fine. But on mine, the insulation is corroded too far back into the outdrive where you can't get your hands which prevents splicing. OUCH! Anybody got any ideas to avoid pulling the outdrive? Thanks

 

[Trent]

Re: Trim Limit Switch Replacement / HELP!!!

Gadoo...Yes there are switches on the left and the right. Left is the trim limit and the bare wires are a common problem. The starboard side is for the trim angle gage if you have one installed on your boat. If you dont want to go to the trouble of pulling the drive and replacing the wires you can disconnect that feature inside the boat "I dont recommend it to some people". If you want to do that let me know. Trent

 

[gwp]

Re: Trim Limit Switch Replacement / HELP!!!

Trent, Definately not interested in pulling outdrive. Are you saying that the limit switch may be disabled without harming anything? Have you ever heard of running the wires thru a newly drilled hole? Where you from? Thanks..Gary

 

[Walter]

Re: Trim Limit Switch Replacement / HELP!!!

Oh geez...DO NOT drill any extra holes through your transom. Trent is talking about disconnecting your trim angle indicator circuit which is completely independant of your trim limit circuit.<br /><br />Mercury has made some improvements which are incorporated in the new trim limit switch replacement kits. My recommendation is you replace yours even if that requires pulling the outdrive. There are other maintenance issues you can resolve at that time as well. Checking and lubing your u-joints is only one of them. Trust me...you'll be waaaaay ahead of the game if you do this properly vs. taking shortcuts.<br /><br />Good luck...<br /><br />Walt

 

[Trent]

Re: Trim Limit Switch Replacement / HELP!!!

Gadoo..E-Mail me at Trentcr@hotmail.com and I will try to help if you like.<br /> <br />Walter is correct..Dont drill any holes..AT ALL!

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Trim Limit Switch Replacement / HELP!!!

Walter is right...merc put a trim limit switch on for a reason and for safety's sake should not be disabled....bite the bullet and fix it. because of teardown involved, is an excellent time to do bellows, shift cable,water hose, etc.....you dont wanna take it apart again next year, do you?

 

[Trent]

Re: Trim Limit Switch Replacement / HELP!!!

ODDD1.. I dont dissagree with you at all. But to get someone buy till they can correct the problem you can bypass the system. But as you say it could cause damage. To the u-joints most of all. Back in the 1960's Mercrusier did not have trim limits at all.<br /><br />And you bet their is a reason they put them their...