Mercruiser trim limit/sender wires

[jasonnb]

In rebuilding my '76 888 Mercruiser (R drive with 302 Ford), I have founds that the wires going to the trim limiter and sender or history. I havn't sested the switch or sender yet. My question is, is it feasable to replace just the wires? Is it as much of a pain as it looks like to run the wires back through their original position? Can I just be creative and run the wires through an existing hole in the transom? I know this isn't the neatest solution, but it is much easier than taking apart the bellhousing/gimble ring.

 

[BigBabyLou]

Re: Mercruiser trim limit/sender wires

Jason, I have the same problem. I found out that my sender unit wires were cut even before they got to the outdrive. I would want to replace them (and the sender unit which rusted off).<br /><br />You might have an advantage if your wires are still there, though in bad shape. You can always attach new wires to the old ones and pull those out. Hopefully it will work.<br /><br />Otherwise I don't see any other way than taking the lower unit off.<br /><br />Anybody with useful info?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Lou

 

[gwp]

Re: Mercruiser trim limit/sender wires

My trim limit switch (and wire) went belly up earlier this year and I removed it and bypassed it at the bullet connectors in the engine compartment. Now when it I lift or lower drive to it's max, I just back off the trim a little to relieve pressure. Maybe this is not good for the u joints, but I'll wait until I need to remove the outdrive for another reason, then replace the trim sender and wire. I've been told by mechanics that this is acceptable.

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser trim limit/sender wires

Very common problem.. I would do as gadoo did and just bypass the connectors inside the boat and trim as needed. THe first Mercrusiers did not have trim limit! Dont raise the drive very high when going fast. Or slow for that matter..<br /><br />Replacing them is a pain! The trim gage wires are also the same..They rot over time like the limit sender wires do.

 

[russellackland]

Re: Mercruiser trim limit/sender wires

I choose the new hole through transom/ new wires and sender. 4 years ago............works great. BTW, I have a 76' 888 with fresh water (heat Xchanger) cooling system......gets up to 180 deg F when running (higher if above 3200rpm) in the summer water temps of Minnesota, what do you guys get for temps/type of cooling system?

 

[Countrybois]

Re: Mercruiser trim limit/sender wires

1) you can't just hook new wires to the old ones and pull them through, there are flanges molded on to the wires which clamp it to the outdrive mounting plate and seal the hole.<br />2) you can try to splice the wires but water will find it's way down the wires and into the unit causing them to fail. You may be fine for a while if you go this route. If you choose to replace the switch units, you are better off to pull everything and do it right. <br />3) Do without the switches.

 

[BigBabyLou]

Re: Mercruiser trim limit/sender wires

Thanks for all the responses! I'm doing fine without the wires (bought the boat without 'em) and install a new pair when I take the lower unit off.<br /><br />My boat's an '89 so it was made without the limit switch. That's why I want an indicator on the dash.<br /><br />Russellackland, I would like to tell you but I frankly don't know how hot I'm running since the water temp wires have been disconnected when the engine was rebuilt recently and they are nowhere to find But I'm working on finding the right wire in the bundle and hooking up the sensors so that the gauge can tell me. I just wish I had more time! Anyway, I'm not running too hot because I can hold my hand on the engine for a couple seconds. Even in the hot weather here in TX (summer temps can get over 110). D*mn, I gotta build the A/C unit I've been planning on for a year now! <br /><br />Thanks again for y'all's responses!<br />Lou

 

[CHESTERBOAT]

Re: Mercruiser trim limit/sender wires

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON MY 1986 SUNBIRD WITH THE WIRES BEING ROTTEN. IF YOU BYPASS IT DO YOU JUST JUMPER THE TWO WIRES TOGETHER SO THEY COMPLETE THE CIRCUIT? I ALSO HAVE TWO MORE WIRES COMING BACK OUT OF THE OUTDRIVE IN THE SAME SPOT THAT THE ROTTEN ONES GO IN AND THEY AREN'T HOOKED UP TO ANYTHING. WHAT ARE THEY FOR?

 

[doman]

Re: Mercruiser trim limit/sender wires

trim senders come with wires in a package ..they are i belive around 80 bux ...and you can replace them without taking the outdrive out its a pain in the A$$ but its possible..I wouldnt bother drilling holes in the transom or replacing just the wires ...hope this helps <br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Dom

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Mercruiser trim limit/sender wires

Here is how you replace them:<br /><br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/trima.htm