Why Trim Sender and Limit switch on smartcraft

[texxmark]

Ok who can help me understand the trim sender and limit switch. My boat has always "trimmed" (up or down) way too fast. You literally have to do it in 1/2 second bursts and then wait for the gauge to catch up. Usually 2 half second bursts and the trim is past the level (1/2 way on the gauge) mark and I have to bump it back down. Last season I had the drive off and re-installed the switches where I marked them. Boat has Smartcraft. The needle gauge and digital one on the tach both work off the smartcraft. I re-calibrated it and everything seems to be working as it did before. So I guess my question is why is there 2 switches or pucks on the Bravo with smartcraft? It seems that the computer logic sets the trim limit when you calibrate it. Am I missing something here? Does anybody have any suggestions on how to slow the pump down? When it goes into trailer mode it seems to move at a more predictable speed but I'm not sure if it actually slows down or if it's just easier to follow since it's a longer stroke than the trim range.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Not all Bravo drives are hooked up to an engine with Smartcraft. Think of it this way: Smartcraft is added to the package AFTER the drive (in other words, the drives come that way from Mercruiser). One controls your gauge, the other controls your safe operating range.

I've never heard of a pump being OVERLY energetic. I would think something else is going on; like maybe the sender isn't calibrated properly to the gauge. Try: physically verify that the drive moves that fast. Start with it all the way down it and have someone observe it while you operate the trim. Compare to another boat/drive or post a video, if you're not sure.

 

[texxmark]

Thanks Dennis. This one has me stumped. I won't be back in town for another week or so but I will physically observe the drive and post a video for you to see. Appreciate the help

 

[bbwhitejr]

I just changed out my trim sender and limit as well. One thing that you said is exactly like mine-"wait for the gauge to catch up." This is really my first outdrive. Outboards that I have had in the past did not act this way-they were instant.

As far as your being too fast up/down, don't understand that. I do just bump mine up when I am coming on plane, and it does not take many "bumps" to get it where I want it (slightly over 1/2), but never paid much attention to the speed of it. As Dennis indicated, post a vid and I will compare.

Bennett

 

[texxmark]

I just changed out my trim sender and limit as well. One thing that you said is exactly like mine-"wait for the gauge to catch up." This is really my first outdrive. Outboards that I have had in the past did not act this way-they were instant.

As far as your being too fast up/down, don't understand that. I do just bump mine up when I am coming on plane, and it does not take many "bumps" to get it where I want it (slightly over 1/2), but never paid much attention to the speed of it. As Dennis indicated, post a vid and I will compare.

Bennett

Bennett Thanks for the response. I do think the problem is more "waiting for the Gauge" than anything. Did replacing the sender and limit switch help? Is it normal for the gauge to lag behind? If they are all like this it must be a smart craft thing because I've had alphas, volvo, and various outboards that didn't do this. Perhaps I'm over thinking it. Thanks again Guys!

 

[bbwhitejr]

I don't know for sure, but I would venture to say that it is very common. During the sea trial on my boat, I noticed it lagging behind maybe even bouncing around a little. Bought the boat and lived with it last summer as I had "bigger fish to fry." This spring changed them out, and though it does appear to be more positive, it still lagging behind the actual event occurring. I am used to an OB moving as soon as the button is touched. For the 1st time, I have mine calibrated perfectly. I am going to experiment with the famous celery stick to see if my hole shot improves and will have to start all over with the calibration thing.

Dennis would know for sure if the trim gauges on the B3s are all like this. I bet they are....

Bennett