trim issue

searayarney

Recruit
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
5
1995 searay 180<br />4.3 liter i/o Mercruiser<br />110 hours<br />in dry storage since new - ran only a few hours a year(not sure if this matters)<br /><br />trim up on throttle will only come 1/2 way up. will trim all the way down. can use the trailer trim button to get it up to where it trims out. worked one day then not the next. new to boating and your forum. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks.
 

Doug Durako

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 17, 2002
Messages
519
Re: trim issue

arney---you should have two buttons/switches. The trim has a limiter which only moves the drive up so far so as not to damage the U-joints which transfer power from the motor to the drive. You can trim in and out (bow up and down) while underway at cruising speed.<br /><br />The trailer switch moves unit up all the way. Should only be used after boat is trailered---can be used at idle speed if boat gets hung up on an obstacle---not recommended.
 

searayarney

Recruit
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
5
Re: trim issue

should have been more clear. it used to trim up to a higher point - to where the boat would reach top speed. i realize there is a 'safe' range of trim. is there a switch that limits the range of trim(when using the the throttle switch) that doesn't come into play when using the trailer trim.
 

Doug Durako

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 17, 2002
Messages
519
Re: trim issue

Yes---limit siwtch is adjustable, or may need replacement. Search the board here for details of how to test and replace. You will want to test the cuircuitry from the shifter to the limit switch in the drive unit before replacing.<br /><br />A good manual will also cover this item step by step.
 

Doug Durako

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 17, 2002
Messages
519
Re: trim issue

A second thought---are you sure your issue is trim? The actual trim limit is not a large range of motion.
 

outboardguy

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 16, 2004
Messages
262
Re: trim issue

The trim limit switch is located on the port side of the gimbal ring.There is a spec on the rams' length when limit is achieved 21 3/4 I believe(see service manual)The two phillips screws are a PITA to get loose without breaking them so be careful.Once it is loose it is a good idea to check the tightness of the hinge pin, as it turns the sender(a loose hinge pin will result in a different limit almost every time you trim it).Then put it back on and adjust to spec
 

searayarney

Recruit
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
5
Re: trim issue

referring to ddboaters post - i am not sure if it is trim issue, but here's the story. ran the boat one day - would trim(by the trim gauge) through the full range, the next day it would only be 1/2 way up(by the trim gauge). i will get a manual and measure the range. great forum, thanks.
 

Boatin Bob

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 24, 2001
Messages
1,858
Re: trim issue

Don't be fooled by what the guage says, you also have a trim guage sending unit (on the stbd?) side that tells you how far the lower unit has lifted, I would suspect that first if you are seeing different readings on the guage.
 

Doug Durako

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 17, 2002
Messages
519
Re: trim issue

ditto last post---look at the guage connections first. Also check fluid in the trim pump and bleed air--by the manual---if necessary. I would eliminate all the obvious stuff---fluid and all electrical connections---before going into the limit switch.
 

searayarney

Recruit
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
5
Re: trim issue

just ordered a manual, hopefully will have he measurements for range of motion. never crossed my mind that the gauge could be malfunctioning, but will find out. winterized boat, will not mess with until end of next month, but will post the outcome. thanks.
 
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