Trim and tilt gauge malfunction

[Wasted Time]

I have an 03 200hp SWS Yamaha with the standard twin multi-function gauge package. The trim gauge has begun to do some strange things. Now when the engine is trimmed down all the way, the LCD bar stack indicates a normal (midway) trim level. Before if you had that much negative trim, it would have shown only a couple of bars at the very bottom of the gauge. Is the gauge malfunctioning or is there a sending unit on the engine that can be checked? Any help would appreciated. Thanks!

 

[yamamarinetech39]

Re: Trim and tilt gauge malfunction

Originally posted by Wasted Time:<br /> I have an 03 200hp SWS Yamaha with the standard twin multi-function gauge package. The trim gauge has begun to do some strange things. Now when the engine is trimmed down all the way, the LCD bar stack indicates a normal (midway) trim level. Before if you had that much negative trim, it would have shown only a couple of bars at the very bottom of the gauge. Is the gauge malfunctioning or is there a sending unit on the engine that can be checked? Any help would appreciated. Thanks!

 

[yamamarinetech39]

Re: Trim and tilt gauge malfunction

Originally posted by Wasted Time:<br /> I have an 03 200hp SWS Yamaha with the standard twin multi-function gauge package. The trim gauge has begun to do some strange things. Now when the engine is trimmed down all the way, the LCD bar stack indicates a normal (midway) trim level. Before if you had that much negative trim, it would have shown only a couple of bars at the very bottom of the gauge. Is the gauge malfunctioning or is there a sending unit on the engine that can be checked? Any help would appreciated. Thanks!

ok, there is a trim sensor that's a little hard to see. With the engine tilted all the way up, bend down and look up from under engine toward your steering and you will see a tube running sideways. you will see a plastic lever, this is the trim sensor, and it is contacted by a cam that is mounted on the tube(rod), which rotates as the engine is tilted up and down. I wish everyone would tell everyone to spray this sensor with silicone lubricant OFTEN. Just spray it and move it several dozen times with a finger, it should return on it's own each time as it is spring loaded. If this doesn't help you will need a new sensor....part is i think about 80 to 100 bucks from dealer. good luck

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Trim and tilt gauge malfunction

most likly the plastic cam that acuates the trim sender broke. its located on the steering tilt tube between the midsection mounts just below the cowl and offset to the stbd side. part is about 5 bucks or so and takes ten min to install and adjust. its a common failure. if the cam is intact it could be a stuck trim sender. I spray them with fluid film every chance I get.<br /> anotherway to find the sender is to follow the wires from the port side cowl to the port side bracket then to the sender at the front of the motor, not on down to the tilt motor.<br /> use a #3 phillips on the cam clamp screw.<br /> ANY TIME your fingers are under a tilted motor use a solid mechanical device to prevent unintended motor motion. it can slice fingers smooth off.