Mercruiser Trim Sender & Limit Switch Replacement

[@85305]

Hands down the most explanatory and helpful video in adjusting both trim position and trim limiter. Of the hours I spent reading and watching videos, I wish I had just found this one first.

[@stoojinator]

Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for this video. I purchased a second hand boat on Sunday, and took it out on Monday and the adaptor from the pump to the hydraulic hose cracked and squirted oil out. I got a new adaptor today and fitted it, but the tilt wouldn't lift the motor. Your instructions on how to adjust the tilt limit was all it took to get it working again and now I can't wait until tomorrow to go out on the water!

[@lesliehamlet1983]

Folks, This video is Awesome. In fact, without the tool for removing the metal bellow sleeve, It is almost impossible. The real issue I had is, removing the second retainer screw up under the Gimbal Housing. That little 1/2 inch screw too me 4 hours to remove. That is only because I did not remove the bell housing. I only twisted it and use a hammer to keep it out of the way. Putting in the new trim wires were easy. Putting back in the retainer and the two screws were also difficult. The first visible bottom screw is always easy to work with on the Alpha One, but the upper retainer screw took 2 1/2 hours to reinstall. It was a tough job. Having the right tools will make it easier, but it is still allot of work just to put in the limit switches. Mercruiser should have never place the access port for the wires all the way up under the Gimbal Housing.

[@bc69006900]

We used hex head bolts threw away the original bolts Allen tool way easier to put them back in

[@chrisweis]

Excellent video, so helpful. Thank you for taking the time to create and share it! You rock!

[@OB1974]

Your video was very helpful for my project replacing the sending unit and limit switch. The instructions that came with the new units was confusing but your video cleared up the confusion. Thank you very much.

[@atkgrl]

Excellent video, would recommend reading the text since I was just listening and did not initially see the text. You might also want to add to headline. How to adjust trim limit and sending units.

[@edwardmorton6730]

Great video! ONE QUESTION: Do the new trim limit and senders have to be re-calibrated every time using the outer adjustment pucks? Couldn't you use a white grease pencil to mark the position of where the old pucks were positioned relative to the gimbal ring before removing them so you can use the marks to line up the new pucks once they are installed. Seems like this might save you a lot of extra work, or at least get you very close to where the new pucks need to be positioned so only fine-tuning calibration adjustments are required.

[@jameshoffman1190]

Excellent presentation. Thank you soooo much! Jimmy

[@ronnash7289]

Excellent vidio followed this procedure today all worked out good.Many Thanks

[@tarpon22]

Your videos are Excellent! Thanks for taking the time to make them

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

+Ogie Oglethorpe Thank you so much for letting us know that they are helpful.

[@davem3789]

Possible options to consider: 1/2” hex socket or Allen wrench works for hinge pins. At least mine were not so tight that I needed a 12pt . I also didn’t disconnect the u-joint bellows. Just by allowing the housing to go down, once the hinge pins were out, allowed enough access to get to the retainer bolt.

[@billl3936]

Very helpful video! Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@jimbradley727]

Great video!! I am not wanting to remove the wiring as my wires appear good but the guts are not. Bought new Merc parts.. The alignment mark part is not clear.. ..Is it the space between the teeth?? One of my new ones came where the actual tooth is on the mark. And the other one, the space between the teeth is lined up on the mark.. Plz advise..

[@heesanoice7637]

I'll be doing that this weekend ! Thanks !

[@pole_barn_builder]

How did it go??

[@heesanoice7637]

@@pole_barn_builder It was easy.

[@joemirolli2659]

Thanks for a great video. Key information on the ideal distance between pins.

[@cordaman176]

you do not have to take anything apart to replace your trim sender & trim limit switch. all you need is a 1/4 drive - 7/16 swivel socket and a extension. wow!

[@dryan8377]

Thanks for the suggestion. I've got to replace mine on an 898 mercruiser, shorted out with melted wires!

[@inventwizkid]

Great video, I see you skipped through the connections for the trim sender. Just bought a boat and the wiring seems to be off. 165hp mercruiser sterndrive and 260 mcm engine. How and where would these wires be connected to? Thanks

[@haroldsmith5451]

This is a great version

[@MrGilRoberts]

Great Video - Thanks - You make it look easy !!! Sometimes the screws on the limiter and/or trim switch break - than its lots of fun LOL

[@williamkowalski3816]

Thanks for taking the time to explain in detail. Why do you think Mercruiser didn't just have waterproof connectors for the wires into the hull? Seems like a lot of work to snake a couple of wires!

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

I agree with you 100% and like the way you think. I don't know why they did it this way but it does comes across as a lot of work.

[@coreycouch4942]

Do i have to replace the bellow or any gaskets when i take this all apart ?

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

No problem this is normal to hear this change is the sound of the pump. When the drive reaches the full down position the sound from the trim pump changes as the relief pressure is reached.

[@atillaismail5411]

Great video very helpful Thank you

[@HGJVerschuur]

Excellent video! Unfortunately I cant get my limit sensor to work. When I turn the limit sensor by hand it works but when I montage it in the hinge pin it does not work. I noticed that the hinge pin does not turn on when I trim the unit up and down. Is this normal? And if not how can I Fix this problem?

[@WizardOfWhoopee]

Ok, nicely done. Now someone post a link to a video where you don't have to drop the drive.

[@markjennings2315]

Cheers, saved me a lot of hassle.

[@nickcalderone75]

Excellent video!

[@darrenhouliston229]

Awesome video. I am about to perform this task myself and I should have watched the video all the way through first because I only purchased the hinge pin tool. Is the other tool for the bellow ring absolutely necessary to re-install the ring or can it be done another way? Thanks!

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

+Darren Houliston Thanks for watching Darren! It may be possible to install the bellows without the tool but it would be tough.

[@kwik440]

thanks for taking the time to educate me !!

[@ricanbull17]

Great video! Thank you. I have one question though where do the wires connect to? My wiring was so bad that it disintegrated the wiring and I can figure out where the wires go now? I found the two bullet connectors but not sure what wire connect to what

[@ricanbull17]

Also mine is a 1974 120/140 mercruiser not sure if that makes a difference I searched everywhere and can figure it out

[@FANGDENFISCH]

How did u remove the bellow Metal sleeve Ring? Any Tipp!? Mine is super Stucked.

[@olegs542]

Great video sir:) I have a question, can I just cut the existing wires and just replace the sensors, then use something like a shrink tube along with some red RTV? the point of the whole thing is to make sure water does not get in right? Or what if i use some waterproof connectors? Thank you in advance!

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

Oleg S, We do not recommend cutting and splicing wires together. The best and most correct way to install the new sender is to use a chaser when pulling and rerouting the new senders and wires.

[@rodgerrowe2424]

can you show how to get to the impeller 454 byliner Capri . how do you get to it. take the exhaust manifold off

[@rayloams]

Well what about cutting the wires about six inches up from the sending and limit senders and adding marine plugs. Assuming the wires are good from the senders to their respective connections.

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

+AJ Bert As long as you have good wires and make a waterproof connection, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work. I suspect if you cut the wires you would void any warranty on the part. Just something to keep in mind.

[@rayloams]

Performance Product Technologies Hey thanks for the reply

[@joebidden4914]

Can you please tell part numbers for the pin removal tool and the installation tool for ring? One more question what is measurement for the alpha 1st gen drive. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

Please email us: sales at perfprotech.com and I will send you additional information.

[@douglasstephens4953]

Hello, Great video thanks. 2 questions: 1) At any time while replacing the Bellows ring will I need glue/adhesive? and 2) I have a Bravo 3 outdrive with a throttle quadrant that only has a trim switch, not a separate trim and trailer switch. Does this impact how to adjust the trim cutout switch? Thanks!

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

You will need no glue or adhesive when installing the bellows ring. Your second question is a little harder to answer without detailed wiring information. If you only have a single switch that trims your drive all the way from the bottom to the top…. then I would think it would be safe to say that the trim limit on the back would not be wired into the trim system of the boat. The trim limit is there to open the circuit at a given angle (if adjusted correctly) and the fact that you don’t have a second switch means your (single) switch has to be wired directly to the trim pump. Therefore, in your case, your trim limit on the back would not be used. I hope this helps.

[@douglasstephens8585]

Performance Product Technologies Thanks again for taking the time to answer. That was my thought as well on the trim limit. I guess I'll just plug it back into it's existing connectors and go from there. Thanks again. Doug

[@AreAyQueue]

what do the trim wires connect too? if i remember correctly only one of my wires was hooked up and dont know where the leads need to connect to. also my trim units have no indicators so its a 50 50 shot if i put them on the right side. mainly just need to know where/why they connect to the boat.

[@drizler]

They should match up to corresponding color coded wires with matching plugs inside the transom area

[@rickslan362]

I have seen some videos which rebuild the parts within the limit and sending housing, using the new parts and seals. Thereby, negating the need to chase the wires back through the transom. IF the wires are intact, of course. Thoughts on this?

[@aNuthaRedneck]

I've cleaned the contacts inside many switches which makes them good for a while. Most of the time insulation is in bad shape on the wires so it tends to be fruitless to rebuild those switches.

[@Kimbeattie]

Thanks great video

[@tonydoyle2827]

is there a way to actually test the trim limit switch alfa gen2 should there be current betweem the 2 brass tabs

[@TheRam137]

I just finished putting new bellows on and could u tell me how to set the trim sender and limit switches. I messed up and didn't mark them. so I don't know if they have to be set just right

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

This video outlines this process step by step starting around the 8:00 mark. Did the video not address your question correctly?

[@gibbywmu]

Can you let me know what tools I need to do this on my '97 Brave One? I'd like to save some $$$ and do this over a weekend. I know I need the Hinge Pin Tool, but not sure whatelse. I though I saw somewhere that if I'm doing this I may want to change the U-Joint bellows? Is this correct?

[@rogerhupp3115]

Well done!

[@michaelphlegar3544]

Can you tell me how to measure the trim limit on 1985 Mercruiser 260 outdrive serial #6911225. Everything I am finding is for th Alpha Drive or Bravo drive

[@NastyMax]

Awesome Video! quick question, How did you remove the Bellow ring? did you use a special tool?

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

+mper900 The metal is thin enough that you can use a large flat-head screwdriver to bend it and pull it out. A new one will come with new U-Joint bellows.

[@NastyMax]

awesome, thanks!

[@rexsmith4184]

Where did you order the trim kit at I need one!! Great video !!

[@jimmychou1875]

buy a new trim sender at www.amazon.com/dp/B09BQTRPFX ,tks!

[@ddrragomir]

Great video and info!!! Please help me with following problem: when I turn the trim at full up position the pump is stopping automaticaly but when I put the trim at full down, the pump still noising (but the noise is diferent than when it is other position). Is it normaly? I ask this because it is my first boat and it is SH. Thanks

[@drizler]

Yea years later but, For the sake of the next guy experiencing this just let go of the switch. If you hold the button down it will just keep trying.

[@coreycouch4942]

And that mercruiser special tool to put the bell housing thing back in is that a must have when doing this job our is there something else i can use ?

[@drizler]

Just buy the tool . Saves a lot of heartache. They’re all over the net fairly cheap compared to Mercs extortionist price.

[@sirjustus3770]

Any special glue or seal to apply to retainer plate area where wires go through the boat to keep from leaking?

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

There is no special glue or sealant required. They are installed from the manufacturer with NO sealant and the service manual reflects the same.

[@BigIslandMNMinnetonka]

How long did this repair take. Nice video.

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

+Big Island MN 3-4 hours

[@thecardoc8234]

What is the limit switch measurement for alpha 1 gen 1?

[@davidinellicott]

thank you!

[@ronbadger654]

Is the 21 3/4" also the measurement for a bravo 2 outdrive?

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

No the sender itself needs protection and therefore needs the cover for that purpose.

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

Thanks!

[@BigIslandMNMinnetonka]

I don't understand why you can't just cut the wires and put he new one on with out taking it all apart?

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

+Big Island MN That would be an option for your own boat but would not be considered a good practice in the boat service industry. In most cases the sending units are being replaced due to corrosion, therefore the wires could be compromised by corrosion, as well. Cutting the wires would also void the new parts 1 year warranty from the manufacture. Although we wouldn’t recommend cutting the wires, that is an option and would certainly save a ton of time.

[@BigIslandMNMinnetonka]

+Performance Product Technologies my wires are bad. I better just do it right. will I need an alignment tool to put the lower end shaft back in?

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

+Big Island MN The alignment won't change when you remove the drive but unless you know that it's currently in proper alignment, Yes you should check the alignment to be sure it's good. www.perfprotech.com/alignment-tool-kt-805475a1/product/137189

[@xgavellex]

My trim will not go up. I replaced the solenoid not the problem. How do I go about diagnosing the problem without replacing everything

[@xgavellex]

Also, I hear a noise when pushing the down button but nothing when pushing it up. I connected the blue and green wire with a jumper and get noise when pushing the up button but the motor does not raise.

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

+Eric Fritz please email your question to [e-mail] and we will have a technician take a look at it.

[@wolfsrainfreak10]

take the trim limit cover off with the 4 screws and clean the contact spring with a wire brush. mine wasnt going up i cleaned it with a wire brush and it works now hope it works for you

[@TheKnceoincusa]

You didnt have to take out the whole thing u can get it from the left side of the drive. Took me 5 mins only on alpha 1 gen 2

[@jeffriley8457]

What is the measurement for the alpha gen 2?

[@johnguerra2534]

For the 21 and 3/4" is that only for the bravo drive or is that standard for all I/O drives?

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

+John Guerra www.perfprotech.com/blog/articles/mercruiser-shift-cables#

[@dirtsferacin7902]

Is the 21 3/4" question in reference to the ram drive measurement ? This link appears to be for shift cable lengths.

[@joeponder9668]

Yes what’s the length for an alpha one? My trim gauge is inop and I plan on replacing both sensors and gauge as well however the trim does come up past the cavitation point at its highest limit.

[@la9482]

Ok video, but you guys lack showing ALL the steps (step by step and how to's) on disassembling and reinstalling. But with guessing, I was able to look up other videos on the things y'all didn't show.

[@darrenhouliston229]

How do I get the hydrolic piece off in order to remove the stern drive from the bell housing. I feel if I pull on it I may bend something or break something important. Thanks!

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

+Darren Houliston can you take a picture of the part you're referring to and then also give us the serial number of your engine or gimbal assembly. Then email it to [e-mail]. We will be glad to help you.

[@averygreen7630]

Is anyone familiar with the trim limits that have 3wires I think my is digital I can’t find any info on it

[@tombuss7382]

what is the measurement for apha one

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

This link should help you www.perfprotech.com/blog/articles/mercruiser-shift-cables#

[@renefranco4947]

my trim wont go down just up ! ive replaced my trim switch n also both relays ! any idea of wat my problem could be ? thnx

[@jerryturner252]

My up relay went bad once. It would only go down. I had to "jump" across contacts using some pliers while the boat was in the water to get outdrive up. Then pull to submerged trailer to get the boat out of the water. I think I got a Ford type starter relay as a replacement. It is almost identical.

[@sesarherrera28]

Why did ya have to do that

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

Jeff - The measurement is 20-3/4"

[@davekamal1711]

Save yourself 4 hours of labor, drill a small hole above the transom and rout the wires through there, I have a swim deck so you never see the hole, just make sure to seal it real well with silicone,,,,,

[@davekamal1711]

I meant above the bell housing in the transom

[@BizLoanConsultantscom]

Is it 21 3/4" for all Bravo drives for the setting on the limit switch?

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

Yes, that is correct.

[@PerfprotechMarineProducts]

Yes, that is correct.

[@BizLoanConsultantscom]

Thanks and thanks for the video.