Mercruiser stern drive trim tilt problem

[ggundersen3]

I have a '87 Sea Ray w/ Mercruiser Alpha I i/o. The trim and tilt switch on the throttle work fine in the lowering/down position or trailering, but is very intermittent and almost never works in the raise/up position. I have to use the trailering button to raise the outdrive. Is the switch bad or something else? Please help!
Grant

 

[flabum]

Re: Mercruiser stern drive trim tilt problem

There is a trim limit switch on the gimball housing that is the likely culprit. The switch comes with the trim gauge sender as a kit. It is tricky to install, but can be done by someone with mechanical abilities. I do them regularly without removing the drive and u-joint housing.

There is a way to by-pass it, but it helps keep you from over-trimming and accidently trashing the drive u-joints.

 

[ggundersen3]

Re: Mercruiser stern drive trim tilt problem

Thanks,
I'll check it out.
Grant

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser stern drive trim tilt problem

Go to the link below and download service manual #6
http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/sisdata/srvcovr.pdf
Section 1C has complete details (and wiring diagrams) on how to troubleshoot the trim system.