Trim limit switch

[EJP1974]

I have a 1997 280ss with 7.4L MPI and took it out for its maiden voyage and noticed when trimming out the gauge only goes to the first 1/4 of the gauge. Is this normal? Is there a way to sync the gauge to the drive? To trim any further I have to use the trailer button which I definetely don't want to do. I must add that the outdrive is brand new with the 4/3 prop set.

 

[BillK2632]

Read this http://www.boatfix.com/merc/bullet/92/92_12.pdf skip the part about installing the limit and sender. The trim is controlled by the two round "pucks" on either side of the outdrive. Port side is the limit, this controls how far out/up you can trim the drive, the STB is the sender and controls the gauge. Keep in mind the sender/gauge is not exactly the same on every boat, for example, when my trim is all the way up/out, my gauge reads 3/4. Also, be care using the tilt button, this bypasses the trim limit to allow you to till the drive completely up - you don't want to run the boat with the drive tilted up past the upper trim limit, this can damage the u-joints - that's why the limit switch is there.

 

[Bt Doctur]

forget the gauge, place drive fully down, raise using trim limit, measure the distance between the ram mounting pins, should be 21 3/4

.From manual 11
With the assistance of another person actuate manual trim control switch used to trim
drive unit OUT (DO NOT use “Trailer” switch) and turn trim limit switch SLOWLY counterclockwise
until trim cylinders extend to dimension shown. Retighten trim limit switch retaining
screws.

 

[Bt Doctur]

you don't want to run the boat with the drive tilted up past the upper trim limit, this can damage the u-joints - that's why the limit switch is there.

not to mention ripping the drive completely off the transom.

 

[EJP1974]

Thank you, I may have the marina that did the work pull the boat and check it since it sounds like its something that should've been done when the new drive was installed.

 

[EJP1974]

forget the gauge, place drive fully down, raise using trim limit, measure the distance between the ram mounting pins, should be 21 3/4

.From manual 11
With the assistance of another person actuate manual trim control switch used to trim
drive unit OUT (DO NOT use “Trailer” switch) and turn trim limit switch SLOWLY counterclockwise
until trim cylinders extend to dimension shown. Retighten trim limit switch retaining
screws.

I will do that this weekend since I won't be back up to the marina till then, thanks for the info!