Trim Senders... Bellows just serviced, mechanic didn't say anything... Options??

[Anger65]

We just got our boat, a 94 Donzi 212 Medallion with a Merc 5.0LX/ Alpha 1 Gen 2. So far we've had a ton of fun, but I have a few things I wanted to fix before we get too much use on it.

There was a slight vibration (very slight but I'm nit-picky)/ gimble sounding noise, so not having the maintenance records, I decided to take it in and have the bellows all replaced, shift cable, gimble, u joints, etc. replaced. Coming from the aircraft world, I'm big on preventative maintenance and knowing where I stand. So I looked at it as a good spend for the first service. The gimble looked pretty good had a tiny rust spot on it on one spot, but pretty much looked new on the outside. However, the bearings were feeling a little rough and the repair definitely fixed the problem. The U-Joints "looked new" he said, so that was good.

Now, the problem... I went to pick the boat up, and as I'm hooking it up to the trailer, the mechanic mentions the trim senders need replacing soon. My first thought... Why didn't you return my TWO phone calls checking in to see how things were going.:facepalm::facepalm: Could have easily had them replaced BEFORE putting the bellows and drive back together.

So I got home, checked out the trim senders, and they're definitely on their last legs. So then I do some research and realize you need to have everything apart to replace them correctly! Seeing that I just spent probably too much to have this shop do the work, is there any sort of "work-around" that could get us through the season? He mentioned liquid tape for now. I don't want to have to pull it all apart again, and am certainly not going to pay this guy to do what he should have done the first time. I've read the whole cut and heat shrink method, but I'm looking to see if any of those with experience have much input and would endorse trying that?

Or am I just outta luck?


Other than that, the boat is great! Put in new plugs/wires/etc., added a new bimini (Sharkskin plus), which is great, also a cover, and replaced the starter solenoid. (after reading the forum, saving me from having to buy the whole starter.) Plan to rebuild the carb next, and then hoping to get through the season without much more work.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Trim Senders... Bellows just serviced, mechanic didn't say anything... Option

Getting back to the trim senders isn't a big deal to a person who does it for a living. It does take time obviously. Ask the tech what he'd charge and how long it would take. I'd try to get some consideration for this lost opportunity. If it was me and I wanted to have them done I'd see what he offers to charge for the units and the time to put em in.
On the other hand, if you had said go no further I'd think he would bill the whole thing over. Even with that he really should have offered to do it while in there unless you had a previous agreement to go no further than he did. Who knows what he'd do. Can't hurt to ask. Also, how long would you be without your boat?
What's wrong with the current sensors, are the wires cracked? In a pinch you can trim without sensors by using the tilt switch. Only problem is you can't tell where the upper limit is. If you raised the drive too much it COULD allow premature wear to your u-joints and gimbal.
If the wires or insulation break you could do water proof heat shrink, but that's a temporary fix. In my opinion once wires fail the entire section is usually needed.
If you like to do your own mechanical stuff we could walk you through the job too.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Trim Senders... Bellows just serviced, mechanic didn't say anything... Option

Trim limit switch and trim guage are overrated. On most boats the prop will ventilate before you over trim, so the trim limit switch is unnecessary. Put a jumper across the trim limit switch and the trim switch on the control will work as advertized. The trim guages are normally slow to react and not reliable. You should be trimming by the feel and sound of the boat. The only time a trim guage is useful is when putting the drive down after launching the boat. However, the PTT makes a different sound when the drive is full down or full up, so you will know....

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Trim Senders... Bellows just serviced, mechanic didn't say anything... Option

Now, the problem... I went to pick the boat up, and as I'm hooking it up to the trailer, the mechanic mentions the trim senders need replacing soon. My first thought... Why didn't you return my TWO phone calls checking in to see how things were going.:facepalm::facepalm: Could have easily had them replaced BEFORE putting the bellows and drive back together.

So I got home, checked out the trim senders, and they're definitely on their last legs. So then I do some research and realize you need to have everything apart to replace them correctly! Seeing that I just spent probably too much to have this shop do the work, is there any sort of "work-around" that could get us through the season? He mentioned liquid tape for now. I don't want to have to pull it all apart again, and am certainly not going to pay this guy to do what he should have done the first time. I've read the whole cut and heat shrink method, but I'm looking to see if any of those with experience have much input and would endorse trying that?

Or am I just outta luck?

Yes, aren't boat shops great

I replaced the trim sender/limit switch without all the dis-assembly that is specified in 'the manual'. If the problem is just wires, then you could do the liquid tape sort of thing. If it is serious fraying issues or internal deterioration of the senders, then you will need to replace them. They look like this (image from iboats store):

The 2 grommet looking things 1/2 along the wires are half-rounds and they mate in the transom assembly to form a water tight plug. the wires extend up into the engine compartment.

I replaced my senders a few years ago and did not take everything apart. You can access the bolt and pressure plate that holds the wire grommets in place by using a 1/4" drive socket with associated extensions. You have to lower the outdrive all the way and turn it to the port side. then it is a bit like arthroscopic surgery, but it is do-able.

I hope this helps if you want to DIY and save $$$

 

[Anger65]

Re: Trim Senders... Bellows just serviced, mechanic didn't say anything... Option

Thanks for the responses. I had an "open" agreement for the mechanic to check it out and call with any issues so we could address them, but I think his mind was more on vacation for the 4th.

That said I am looking to do all or as much maintenance on the boat as I can, so if I can replace them without pulling the drive that'll be my first bet.

The jumper idea sounds great as well, can u give more specifics on what exactly to jump?

I do operate by sound/ feel and also speed/rpm, so the trim indicator isnt necessary, I just like for things to work.

I'm loving these forums, going to be spending lots of time here!

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Trim Senders... Bellows just serviced, mechanic didn't say anything... Option

If you want to do as much maintenance on this boat yourself then this is certainly for you, as stated its not very difficult to do just hard to get to, I would also add that I would be looking for a new mechanic, I can't deal with dishonesty and this is right there, if you do decide to give him a chance and he wants anything over $200 labor that would be the end of his services for me.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Trim Senders... Bellows just serviced, mechanic didn't say anything... Option

Interesting comments about lack of visibility. It didn't take long for an outboard guy to realize that (on his first I/O) that you can't see the outdrive and until you get some response from it have no earthly idea which way it is pointed, nor what is it's trim/tilt position. I did like the boat and the closed in transom, but this, I never got used to.

Mark

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Trim Senders... Bellows just serviced, mechanic didn't say anything... Option

Oh, true. I came from outboard but after a couple of outings I could tell by feel, sound and memory where my drive is. I do like the limit switch for pulling out of our shallow dock area. I just trim it up to the stop, then once I'm past the shallows I lower before I add any throttle. I don't have a trim indicator gauge, there's an empty spot there. I will get one someday because I can. But there are other things I will do first.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Trim Senders... Bellows just serviced, mechanic didn't say anything... Option

I could tell by feel, sound and memory where my drive is. I do like the limit switch for pulling out of our shallow dock area. I just trim it up to the stop, then once I'm past the shallows I lower before I add any throttle. I don't have a trim indicator gauge, there's an empty spot there. I will get one someday because I can. But there are other things I will do first.

My methodology exactly...

Too many variables when trimming at speed. I trim by "feel" and sound. I trim up until the prop starts to vent...then a couple of "clicks" down to the sweet spot. Just mashing on the button to the limit at speed will almost surely vent the prop. I consider the limit switch just that...the LIMIT to where I can safely raise the drive before the U-joints really start to stress and to just be used while at no wake speed in the shallows.