Transmission Sensor

[archangel73]

I have a 2002 Sea Ray 360 Sundancer (with Merc 8.1S with only 196 hours), and during the winter oil change the mechanic noticed the port engine's transmission sensor was disconnected. Mechanic said tranmission fluid was in great condition. They are going to screw/ground the sensor back to the port engine, and I am just wondering if I should be concerned about it being disconnected.

Obviosuly the Sea Ray Monitor (no SmartCraft) didn't report anything besides "All Systems Normal".

Question: Does the Starboard engine have a sensor too? (Assume it does)

I purchased this boat back in Aug this year, and the boat performed great since I purchased it. No transmission issues or anything. I have read on the forum about nightmares about replacing the tranmission cooling pumps on the Merc engines.

Guess I won't know anything until Spring, but thought I would throw this out to the forum to get your experience feedback.

Thanks!

 

[my3sons]

Hello,
The transmissions (both port and starboard) have two switches or sensors on the rear, (or forward most part of the transmission in a v-drive config.), of the two, the one furthest forward, or closest to the bulkhead is the temperature switch, which will give you an alarm if the tranny over heats. This switch is normally open, so the fact that it was unplugged made no difference in operation and would not sound an alarm. In our boats, those wires are easily exposed to catching on shoes or getting stepped on when working in the bilge. The step for climbing down into the ER is located right next to that area of the port transmission. That fact that your boat functioned fine at the end of the season and the mechanic said that the fluid looked good are good signs that you didn't miss any alarms by not having the wires on. You shouldn't have any problems.
The other switch, located a little further back toward the motor, is the neutral safety switch.
Take care

 

[archangel73]

Thanks! I appreciate the quick response!