Need help with 83 mercruiser

[Rick3579]

The tilt and trim wires on my 83 mercruiser are crispy going into the transom and my gage does not work i would like to replace both sets of wires i marked and removed one side sensor and can see where the wires screw on but i wonder if there is any tricks to feeding new ones in or pulling old ones out and do i need to get a factory wire set? <br /><br />Any help will be greatly appreciated

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Need help with 83 mercruiser

Yes you will need the factory leads because there is a molded half on each set of wires that form the plug system.To properly replace them you will need the manual.you remove the drive, helmet, gimbal boot,exaust boot,and possably the steering yoke if you cannot reach the (2) 7/16 bolts that hold the seal plate.with the plate removed pull both leads out from the transon end ,there will be a rubber grommet in here also.put in a new grommet, install the new leads, apply a silicone sealer reinstall plate,and assorted items.<br />the quick way is to just mount the new units and drill another hole thru the transom (possable leak to rot the transom)snake the wires in silicone.

 

[Rick3579]

Re: Need help with 83 mercruiser

If i just cut the wires and removed them would my tilt and trim still work. Except with no gauge function.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Need help with 83 mercruiser

Yes and No,trimming will only work with the Trailer switch unless the wires are joined together to bypass the limit switch.This will also allow the drive to come all the way up to trailer position using the trim up switch.(get careless and it might cost a drive and transom housing.The prop may cavitate before you reach the max trim limit anyway. If your not worried about the gauge atleast disconnect the lead that goes thru the transom to stop the battery voltage from causing any corrosion damage.

 

[Don S]

Re: Need help with 83 mercruiser

If you cut the wires, the trim limit will not work and the gauge will not work.<br />You will have to push the 2 upper buttons to trim up. The trim and the tilt buttons.<br />This is assuming you have the standard 3 button Merc trim switch.