Trim Gauge Help Needed!

[pherres]

I have a 1988 Alpha I mercruiser. This may sound stupid, but I moved my trim gauge from one location to another (12") and now the gauge does not register when I move the drive up or down. Everything operates perfectly except the gauge.<br /> <br />I hooked the wires back up exactly as they were. I had to extend the sending wire, so I used a butt connector. When i turn the switch to the on position, the gauge reacts to the full down position, even the though the drive is full up. If I move the ground wire, the needle moves which makes me believe the gauge is operable. <br /><br />Are there any inline fuses I might have blown? Any help would be appreciated!<br />Thanks

 

[Trent]

Re: Trim Gauge Help Needed!

No inline fuse.<br /><br />Turn the key on and watch the gage...On the starboard side of outdrive at the drive pivot point is a plastic cover..Loosen the two screws and turn the plastic cover. Does the gage on the dash move?? If so calibrate to the full down position.<br /><br />Recheck your butt splice.. Somtimes you can put the wire in too far and electrical contact can be lost.

 

[pherres]

Re: Trim Gauge Help Needed!

Trent:<br />Thanks for the reply! I too suspected a bad butt splice, so I removed the butt splice and twisted the wires together with a wire nut - still no luck.<br />I'll try adjusting the sending unit as you suggested. Will keep you posted.<br />Poolboy

 

[flashback]

Re: Trim Gauge Help Needed!

Trent is on the right track. most of the guages are based on electrical resistance. if you change the length of a wire it can change the resistance which would mean you would need to re-calibrate the sending unit... the other option would be co-incidence and maybe you damaged the guage when you moved it.......good luck

 

[pherres]

Re: Trim Gauge Help Needed!

Trent & Flashback:<br />Just a thought, but if the trim works on resistance, could I have used too heavy of a wire for the 12" spliced extension. What is the correct gauge of wire for the trim unit? Thanks for your help and suggestions!