Instrument issues

[TPeace]

Took out 260 out again today first time since replacing the thermostat (165). Temp was usually just above the 170 mark by about a needles widthh and lake was 85 so seemed reasonable.
With that seemingly fixed found several other issues that I need some direction on. The trim tabs up and Dn gage is always in the Dn position no matter what I do with the tabs. The speedometer doesn't work although the GPS has one I'd like to get the one on the dash working. The drive shift lever seems really tight. I feel like I need to force it then once it reaches a point 2 inches or so it becomes much easier to push.
The next question is speed. O was running at about 3800rpm and getting according to GPS 18.5 MPH does this seem right? What should the max speed here be and what is an acceptable RPM to be operating at? Sorry for so many questoins but don't want to mess anything up and there is a wealth of Exp here :smt001

Thanks in advance and any info you need to help answer ask away I'll answer best I can.

 

[NorCal Boater]

Took out 260 out again today first time since replacing the thermostat (165). Temp was usually just above the 170 mark by about a needles widthh and lake was 85 so seemed reasonable.
With that seemingly fixed found several other issues that I need some direction on. The trim tabs up and Dn gage is always in the Dn position no matter what I do with the tabs. The speedometer doesn't work although the GPS has one I'd like to get the one on the dash working. The drive shift lever seems really tight. I feel like I need to force it then once it reaches a point 2 inches or so it becomes much easier to push.
The next question is speed. O was running at about 3800rpm and getting according to GPS 18.5 MPH does this seem right? What should the max speed here be and what is an acceptable RPM to be operating at? Sorry for so many questoins but don't want to mess anything up and there is a wealth of Exp here :smt001

Thanks in advance and any info you need to help answer ask away I'll answer best I can.

Its going to be hard to answer your questions without more info but I will take a stab....

Regarding your last question. YOu do not say what engine you have but if it is a 350ci/260hp with an Alpha drive you should be able to get 4200-4600 RPMs at wide open throttle (WOT). See if you can get the RPMs and let us know what engine and drive you have.

Next, are you confusing trim tabs with the outdrive trim? You are most likely talking about outdrive trim. The gauge you see is for the outdrive and the reason it does not move is most likely because of a bad trim indicator. The sender and the trim limit switch are mounted on the side of the outdrive where the drive hinges for up and down movement. The parts are not too expensive but the drive has to come off as well as the gimbal ring and the ring takes a special tool. This is not realy a do-it-yourself job unless you are really sure you know what you are doing. Might be best to take it to a shop.

Your last issue may be as simple as adjusting the friction on your shift lever but I have a feeling you may need new shift and/or throttle cables. Again this may be best left to a repair shop.

Lastly, if you really want your speedometer to work you need to make sure the pitot is clear and the tube that goes from it to the speedometer is also clear and free of kinks or obstructions.

Have fun and get us the rest of the informationon your boat so we can help.

 

[TPeace]

See knew I was forgetting important info....
The Engine is a 350ci/260HP
WOT I was getting about 45k-46k but only 23-24.5 MPH
I was playing with the motor trim but having a hard time.
I'm used to a small outboard I can see and the small boat you can really feel when the motor is up or down. Not really feeling it on this one. I will check the speed cable as you suggest as well as take a look at the trim gage. The shifter cable I have replaced on mt outboard so if need be I can do that just seemed odd it felt ok in the driveway on the plunger but not in the water then again in driveway I was only idiling and slight throttle up and not engaging the prop so that may be some of the diff. will check friction though.