Volvo SX-A trim sensor problem.

[89retta]

Here is some info on the trim sender http://forums.iboats.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=98994&stc=1&d=1308598913

 

[Davy8or]

I can't promise it's 100% accurate, but here's a link to a shop manual for the 5.0GXi engines (A-F) so it is at least probably similar enough to give you good info.

http://boatinfo.no/lib/volvo/manuals/5057a-f.html#/0

The shop manual for SX-A drive that you saw in the thread above is also on this website. It's difficult to impossible to access on a mobile device however.

Thanks for these links! I checked them out and bookmarked them. They are helpful. Thank you so much.

 

[Davy8or]

Here is some info on the trim sender http://forums.iboats.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=98994&stc=1&d=1308598913

More helpful info! Thanks, now I have the test procedure, however it's looking increasingly like I can't even do this procedure for lack of access. I spent some time today trying to figure out how I could even unplug the sensor from the back of the engine. I can see it and I can get one hand on it... but that's it. I thought by removing some stuff, I could wiggle my body down along side the engine and get at all this nonsense, but no. I'm not fat at all, but it's just not made for human access.

This means I can't even run the tests. My options seem to be-

• Remove the engine to gain proper access to the inside of the access and that clip that holds the wires in.
• Cut an access hole in the top deck to maybe reach down and get that clip as well as unplug and plug the connector.
• Take a chance on a $200 part and cut and slice.
• Forget the whole thing and mark the trim gauge as INOP.
• Sell this damn boat and buy one that is designed to be worked on.

In addition to this headache as well as the nav lights not working, the power steering servo, of course behind the engine and not accessible... leaks. About a half pint every 10 hours into the bilge. This boat taught me many things so far.

• New boat warranties are mostly worthless.
• A new boat does not mean it won't be a headache.
• Be very careful when picking a boat brand.
• I/O drives are a PITA.

We got an awesome deal on this boat because it was a bank repo sale. A brand new boat that was never used at a used boat price. However the boat I wanted was a Yamaha Jet boat. Now I want it more than ever...

<sigh>

 

[GeorgeDes]

The manuals all make replacement look so easy. The real problem in replacing the sensor is getting clear access to the entry and exit point from the stern. From the inside of the boat the exit point is directly behind the steering mechanism and transom plate. The engine is right in the way of where you need to be and then there is that damn clip on the grommet that needs to come off before you can pull the wiring and grommet through. The boat designers did not have ease of replacement in mind when they designed these boats!

 

[89retta]

Boats are definitely not user friendly when it comes to working on them. As for that Yamaha jet boat even worse to work on and more upkeep

 

[Davy8or]

The manuals all make replacement look so easy. The real problem in replacing the sensor is getting clear access to the entry and exit point from the stern. From the inside of the boat the exit point is directly behind the steering mechanism and transom plate. The engine is right in the way of where you need to be and then there is that damn clip on the grommet that needs to come off before you can pull the wiring and grommet through. The boat designers did not have ease of replacement in mind when they designed these boats!

It was super easy for the manufacturer. They assembled all the drive components and then dropped the top deck on and sealed it up. Easy-peasy. Why a little thought towards the long term maintenance of the boast was so impossible, I can't say.

 

[GeorgeDes]

That's for sure. Had explored how to best do this on my 99FW Sundowner 245 and the best advice I think I got was to take a long sharpened screwdriver and use it to punch/cut the old grommet into the inside of the stern so as to get around the clip. Then tie the wires of the new trim gauge to those of the old and use them to pull the new wires and grommet into place.The clip is almost impossible to replace anyway so some sealing compound on the new grommet may be used to hold it in place. Have not done this yet, but will at some point.