Steering sensor install

[Two Peas]

Has anyone installed a MerCruiser Quicksilver Steering Sensor for SmartCraft with hydraulic steering / inboards?

I'd like to do so and am looking for any tips / issues you've had in the past.

I couldn't find much through a search...

Thanks.

 

[tobnpr]

What's a "steering sensor"?

A rudder reference indicator? If so, doesn't your autopilot have that feature?

 

[Two Peas]

I don't have an autopilot. The steering sensor makes the rudder position available to the SmartCraft network. From there, the SC5000 has a rudder position page that displays degrees port or starboard.

For about $150, I can't imagine a more useful tool to teach the rest of the crew how to learn where the rudders are when the boat is stopped or at slow speeds.

Here's an image from the Vessel View monitor:

 

[Four Suns]

You need to do a search.

 

[Two Peas]

Can I hire you to do that for me?

 

[Fun Times]

Has anyone installed a MerCruiser Quicksilver Steering Sensor for SmartCraft with hydraulic steering / inboards?

I'd like to do so and am looking for any tips / issues you've had in the past.

I couldn't find much through a search...

Thanks.

I believe I found your part numbers for you. You can (PM) me for the address to where you can send the check, I will trust you with this information before payment.:lol::grin:

Edit after further review I have noticed today that I had sent the wrong link to this thread.:smt021 The first link is now for a inboard style engine set up, And the second link is for a sterndrive set up. This "thread" here is for a inboard set up, So use the first link below.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...nbr=240&bdesc=Smartcraft+Sensor+and+Harnesses


This next link below is for a "sterndrive" engine.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...nbr=295&bdesc=SmartCraft+Sensor+and+Harnesses

This thread here would need part numbers (863188A5) And you will need Part number (863931) And maybe (864988) And see highlighted notes 4 & 5 below.

(FYI) The information below was a page out of a smartcraft service manual.
MIE and Tow Sport

Sensor Harness
Part Number
Qty. (1) Qty. (24)​

Steering and pitot (KIT)

(4, 5) 863188A3 NA​

Steering/pitot transom harness​

(required)​

863931A1 NA​

Transom extension harness​

10 ft., 4 pin (3) 864988 NA​

Fuel level 851052Q NA​

Fuel tank harness 84-864218 NA​

Steering sensor with 5.5 m​

(18 ft.) harness (4) 863188A5 NA​

Speed, Speed/Temperature sensors​

128.7 km/h (80 MPH) or lower​

pitot sensor (1, 5) 881879A13 NA

Transom mount paddle wheel

speed/temperature sensor
859223 859223B1
Through hull paddle wheel
speed/temperature sensor
883090 883090B1
Depth, Depth/Temperature sensors
Transom mount 881931A1 881931B1
In hull (plastic) 881932A1 881932B1
Through hull depth/temperature
sensor (Bronze)
884207A1 884207B1
Through hull depth/temperature
sensor 3 m (10 ft.) plastic
888828 888828B1
Through hull depth/temperature
sensor 5.8 m (19 ft.) plastic
888828 1 888828B2
1. MCM Driveshaft Extension (DSE) applications require additional speedometer hose.
(54950-25, 7.62 m (25 ft.) or 54650-53, 16.1 m (53 ft.)
2. For Driveshaft Extension applications only.
3. Harness can be used as an extension for all steering and or pitot speed sensors, paddle
wheel speed sensor, and depth transducers.
4. Requires additional steering sensor linkage not available from Mercury Marine.
5. MIE and Tow Sport applications require a separate pitot speedometer pick-up and additional speedometer hose.​

 

[Two Peas]

Boattech, a belated thank you for your post. I'm in the process now of figuring out how I'm going to mount the sensor - apparently Sea Ray jerry-rigged some kind of mount to make this sensor work with inboards and hydraulic steering.

 

[gyrospiro]

I ordered the bracket, from Mmax and got the steering sensor off ebay(remove sensor from merc bracket), drill 4 holes and mount relatively easy.
you will need to fabricate a steering pin. a visit to the hardware store a bolt some washers and SS steel tube and you are ready to go.

Here is the thread.
http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19255

 

[Two Peas]

Thanks Spiro. Great photos! That thread is where I figured out the part about the bracket. I think the last piece I need is the 4 pin to 10 pin adaptor so I can plug the sensor into the engine harness. Does it matter which engine I plug in to?

 

[gyrospiro]

I have always seen it installed on the starboard engine
I do not know why?

 

[krafty]

I have not found the Mmax resource mentioned for the bracket, is there a link to that contact information or is the bracket something that is/can be fabricated?

This is the best thread/information for getting the steering sensor information on a vessel view! THANK YOU!

I ordered the bracket, from Mmax and got the steering sensor off ebay(remove sensor from merc bracket), drill 4 holes and mount relatively easy.
you will need to fabricate a steering pin. a visit to the hardware store a bolt some washers and SS steel tube and you are ready to go.

Here is the thread.
http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19255

 

[jason78]

I have not found the Mmax resource mentioned for the bracket, is there a link to that contact information or is the bracket something that is/can be fabricated?

This is the best thread/information for getting the steering sensor information on a vessel view! THANK YOU!

You probably need to contact Mercury Marine and get the correct part numbers plus make sure it will work with the Diesel Harness. I know the Smartcrast setup for the Cummins interface is a little different than for the merc Gas Engines from what I have been told so you may need some different cables.

Just saying this because you may end up byuing some extra parts you don't need otherwise.

Mercury can give you the correct part numbers. After that you can go to any Merc dealer or Authorized online resource to order the parts.

Jason

 

[krafty]

Jason - Thanks for your reply. We are going to call the Mercruiser HQ on Monday. Great suggestion.

Girospiro's pictures have been most helpful (along with this thread) and the Mmax metal bracket that is above the rudder stock/post that was mentioned, I didn't realize that was part of the sensor 'package'. We will ask.

I notice you have listed as having a Kohler generator, do you have that linked to your mercruiser vessel view?

We also have a Kohler, but the mercruiser vessel view display default is for Onan. (We understand that mercruiser is partnered with Onan, but we were hoping there is a harness out there somewhere that is compatible.)

Thanks again for your quick reply!

You probably need to contact Mercury Marine and get the correct part numbers plus make sure it will work with the Diesel Harness. I know the Smartcrast setup for the Cummins interface is a little different than for the merc Gas Engines from what I have been told so you may need some different cables.

Just saying this because you may end up byuing some extra parts you don't need otherwise.

Mercury can give you the correct part numbers. After that you can go to any Merc dealer or Authorized online resource to order the parts.

Jason

 

[jason78]

Jason - Thanks for your reply. We are going to call the Mercruiser HQ on Monday. Great suggestion.

Girospiro's pictures have been most helpful (along with this thread) and the Mmax metal bracket that is above the rudder stock/post that was mentioned, I didn't realize that was part of the sensor 'package'. We will ask.

I notice you have listed as having a Kohler generator, do you have that linked to your mercruiser vessel view?

We also have a Kohler, but the mercruiser vessel view display default is for Onan. (We understand that mercruiser is partnered with Onan, but we were hoping there is a harness out there somewhere that is compatible.)

Thanks again for your quick reply!

No problem, I actually did the steering sensor install recently although it was on sterndrives. The sensor is basically the same but the bracket is obviously different. I found Merc to be very helpful. I am not sure if they will have the bracket as part of the kit or not. It is possible the original bracket could have been an item SR made or possibly teleflex.

 

[jason78]

Jason - Thanks for your reply. We are going to call the Mercruiser HQ on Monday. Great suggestion.

Girospiro's pictures have been most helpful (along with this thread) and the Mmax metal bracket that is above the rudder stock/post that was mentioned, I didn't realize that was part of the sensor 'package'. We will ask.

I notice you have listed as having a Kohler generator, do you have that linked to your mercruiser vessel view?

We also have a Kohler, but the mercruiser vessel view display default is for Onan. (We understand that mercruiser is partnered with Onan, but we were hoping there is a harness out there somewhere that is compatible.)

Thanks again for your quick reply!

Krafty, On the Genny-

On the Genny to VV question, I don't really know what to tell you as my knolwedge on Diesel engines and Gennys is limited. I think that this will be a good question to ask Merc when you talk to them. My Kohler is not connected to my Smartcraft. The next newer Gas model, the Kohler 5ecd, is required to interface with SC from what I understsnd.

If you have a Kohler Diesel genny, interface may be possible. I would talke to Merc and see if your Cummins/Diesel VV can be interfaced with a Kohler Diesel Genny. If the diesel is the same as gas from an interface standpoint, you will need to get the harness from Kolher. I use www.mtspowersystems.com for my Kohler parts. They are friendly and helpful.

If you have trouble getting a straight answer from Merc, send me a PM and I may be able to put you in touch with another contact.

Jason

 

[krafty]

Jason
Thanks again for your quick reply. We will let you know what comes of the contact with Mercruiser!
Regards

 

[jason78]

Krafty,

I took a look in the parts manual for a 2005 340DA and found what appears to be the correct part number below. If the bracket was a "special build" you may be able to get it from Sea Ray if you have the same teleflex steering system. Here is the part number and description. I can get you some close up pics and measurements if you need but I won't have access to the 340 till next weekend.

1733142 BRACKET, SS RUDDER INDICATOR W/S-CRFT KIT

 

[Two Peas]

I ordered the stainless steel bracket from my Sea Ray dealer. I believe it was about $65.00, and arrived from Sea Ray in about 3 days.

 

[SeaRenity]

Andrew
any luck as to where the smartcraft wiring harness is on the starboard engine. I have also tried to add a steering sensor-- gotten past the bracket issue but have been unsucesful with the wiring.
Thanks
Rich