Trim Senders

[ynnad]

I bought the new trim senders for my Bravo drive since the old ones were acting up (gage bounces a lot when changing trim & sometimes drive doesn't respond to the trim switch). I took the old ones apart and cleaned the corrosion and packed them with silicone just to keep them working a bit longer.

Has anyone tackled changing these?

Mercruiser instructions say pull the outdrive to access the wires through the transom, but the local Mercruiser shop said you can do it without pulling the drive...

Boat is on the lift, so working with the outdrive will be iffy over the water...

Thanks in advance.

Dan

 

[Diplomat82]

I had to replace mine last year and the only way to do the job correctly was to pull the drive. There's a retaining bolt that holds the wires in place and the only way to remove it is to drop the drive. While the drive is off I replaced the bellows and throttle cable and checked the gimble bearing.
Make sure you don't splice the new wires in or you'll get erractic readout.

 

[Chris E]

drive should come off - anyone with a trailer they could lone you for a day. the drive should come off every other year minimum to service the u-joints and inspect - you won't know about a leaking yoke and seal without pulling the drive.

 

[ynnad]

Thanks guys

I knew that was the right answer, just hoping that there was an easier way...

wonder how the local Mercruiser shop does the job without pulling the drive?

Dan

 

[Chris E]

probably by splicing the wires, you can do it but it won't last. Besides, your boat is 17 years old - time for a real good look at that back end. i'd put money on the fact that you will find a lot more wrong once you get in there. not to scare you, but you are in the maintenance portion of the boats lifecycle.

 

[91 GTX]

did mine without pulling the drive, pain in the a$$. pull the drive!!!!!

 

[happy]

while i agree with everyone.. the drive should come off and be serviced..

it is however not necessary to pull the drive to accomplish this task.. nor is it neccesarry to remove the bell housing.. it can be a bit challenging should you not have the right kind of tools.. and really challanging hanging over the water. remember, i've been a commissioned tech for many years now.. and can effect this repair in about 30 min.

pull your aft trim pin, let the drive drop as far negative as she can. turn the wheel full right, and just above the bellows is your bolt.. a long 1/4 drive extension and a wiggle will get in there.. snap on is the best, since they are not as large as some other brands of tools.. pull the wires down, but not out, attach your new sending wires via tape, and pull them back thru the transom assy.. affix your bolt, and put your boat back together..