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Outdrive Trailer Setting

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Robert Gomez

Guest
"Hello,

I have a 1996 Marad

"Hello,

I have a 1996 Marada boat with a Chevy 305 attached to a MerCruiser Alpha I (Gen 2) outdrive. I ran aground on a muddy bottom a few days ago and now the outdrive will not go into the trailer position. The trim works fine, full range. Fortunately, the boat sits on the trailer relatively high so I was able to trailer it home without any problems.

Is there a mechanical relay/switch/limiter or anything else that would get moved when you run aground? I check both resistors at the hydraulic pump and the switch by the throttle to ensure that it wasn't electrical. I am inclined to think that its a mechanical issu, a sensor or tab or something that got moved when I hit bottom. I was able to back out without issu (I moved everyone to the front of the boat to get the stern higher in the water).

Can anyone give me a hint or ideas that can help me fix this? I am a do it yourself type of guy so any info will help. Pictures would be better.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Robert"
 
THER IS A TRIM LIMIT SENDER ON

THER IS A TRIM LIMIT SENDER ON STARBRD SIDE OF GIMBLE HOUSING HOCKY PUCK LOOKING WITH TWO PHILLIPS ADJ SCREWS AND TWO WIRES THAT LIKE TO GET DAMAGED
 
"Shawn,
TAKE THE CAPS LOCK OF

"Shawn,
TAKE THE CAPS LOCK OFF!
IT'S IS CONSIDERED YELLING!

Robert,
The sender on the starboard side is for indication only.
The sender on the port side is the travel limit switch, but only stops the drive from coming up without the trialer button pushed. The trailer button bypasses this switch.
I suppose it couble be possible that the limit switch and the indication sender are swapped on some models but regardless, that isn't the problem.
There's something else going on. I'll e-mail a copy of the diagram when I have a chance to dig it up."
 
"How do you adjust the senders

"How do you adjust the senders? I have visually inspected the both senders and their cables and they look ok. However, my trim indicator on the dash is not showing the proper trim.

Also, When I check the wiring for the trailoring switch, what should the voltage be prior to the connector?

Again, any guidance helps.

Thanks,

Robert"
 
""How do you adjust the se

""How do you adjust the senders? I have visually inspected the both senders and their cables and they look ok. However, my trim indicator on the dash is not showing the proper trim."

Loosen the 2 small screws,+ rotate the little round housing.......

" When I check the wiring for the trailoring switch, what should the voltage be prior to the connector?"

Which Connector,..????....
There should be Power, before the Trailer Button...12V....."
 
"Ok folks,

I have adjusted

"Ok folks,

I have adjusted the trim indicator and limmiting switches and still nothing. I spoke to a local boat shop and explained that the light blue with white strip cable leading into the pump is the one that controls the up motion of the outdrive. I confirmed it with the trim switch going up (the green one is the down wire). I am not getting a signal (12V) when I depress the "trailor" button on the blue/white line. Therefore, I think I have a break in the line (yet to be confirmed). However, he also told me that if I were to apply 12V directly to the blue/white wire it would lift the outdrive to the trailor position. I tried this and confirmed that there was 12V applied but still it did not go up.

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Robert"
 
"Hey folks, finally solved the

"Hey folks, finally solved the mistery. It was a broken wire that had corroded and broken free. Replaced the connector and viola, my trailoring switch works again.

THanks, for all your help!

Robert"
 
"Great job!
Now, if you messe

"Great job!
Now, if you messed with the setting of the limit switch (port side), make sure you readjust it to the correct setting to prevent damage to the outdrive. It's a pretty tedious process so I suggest getting a service manual and following the procedure. At any rate when you're done, the maximum up, or 'out' position should be such that the trim cylinders are extended between 6-1/4 to 6-3/4 inches. Any further than that and the u-joints may bind and/or the water supply hose can get pinched off.... not good things while the engine is running."
 
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