control switch, solenoid, or sender/limit switch

redlinj

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Oct 4, 2007
Messages
277
'82 485 with MC-1 outdrive has trim/tilt issues! First of all, I must use the "trailer mode" switch to raise the unit. The UP on the control arm does nothing, but the DOWN did work until recently. Now, for the most part, I just hear a click. Eventually, the pump will kick on and it will lower. The wires coming from the sender/limit switch are devoid of insulation. Pump has fluid. What is the most likely culpret? Thanks!!!!!!
 

stonyloam

Vice Admiral
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Mar 13, 2009
Messages
5,830
Re: control switch, solenoid, or sender/limit switch

Sounds like you have two problems: An faulty trim limit circuit, either the trim limit switch or the wires, and a down trim solenoid that is going bad. It could be the trim switch at the control, but that is rarely the case.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: control switch, solenoid, or sender/limit switch

That link is from the seloc or cylmer... I wouldn't trust either of them to speak my weight, let alone use them to fix anything remotely complicated...

Chris....
 

redlinj

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Oct 4, 2007
Messages
277
Re: control switch, solenoid, or sender/limit switch

Sounds like you have two problems: An faulty trim limit circuit, either the trim limit switch or the wires, and a down trim solenoid that is going bad. It could be the trim switch at the control, but that is rarely the case.
Those were my initial thoughts also. Since we have another low water situation here in WNY, I need to use the trim/tilt more often than usual. Looks like the boat will have to come out again!
 

alldodge

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43,910
Re: control switch, solenoid, or sender/limit switch

Those were my initial thoughts also. Since we have another low water situation here in WNY, I need to use the trim/tilt more often than usual. Looks like the boat will have to come out again!

It will be easier to work on out of the water but your troubleshooting can be done while in the water. That is unless there are rules of no working on boats and the like

Edit: that is up to the point of replacing senders

WNY - Washinton Navy Yard or West New York
 

redlinj

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Oct 4, 2007
Messages
277
Re: control switch, solenoid, or sender/limit switch

No rules. Just figured if limit switch and sender needed replacement then it would have to come out unless you know something I'm not aware of in which case I'm all ears!!!!!!! Thanks
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: control switch, solenoid, or sender/limit switch

No rules. Just figured if limit switch and sender needed replacement then it would have to come out unless you know something I'm not aware of in which case I'm all ears!!!!!!! Thanks

You'll hear a lot of people offering different options to replacing the senders, complete with the wires and water block, as supplied by Merc. These 'options' include cutting and soldering the new senders to the old wires, or opening up the senders and replacing the guts with the new ones. I have seen them all, and the only method of repairing these senders properly and that is guaranteed to last the distance is remove the old ones, complete with their wires and water block, and fit the new ones, complete, wires and all.... Any 'short-cuts' only leads to doing the job again a short time later....

Chris...
 

redlinj

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 4, 2007
Messages
277
Re: control switch, solenoid, or sender/limit switch

I've looked in the engine compartment and found the wires coming thru. Followed them to where they are connected to the wires leading to the control box. Then I noticed my transducer cable where it comes thru the transom, well above the waterline!. Hell, why not just install the new sender and limit switch and run the wires up thru the already existing transducer cable hole and be done with it. Might not look as neat to a total purist, (big whoop,) but it should work as well as the "proper procedure!" Just tape the exposed wires to help out against the UV rays and your on your way! I haven't done this yet, but do have the trim down working ok now. But still not the UP!
 
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