Trim Gauge Repair

Electrical and electronic topics for small boats
Eagle1499
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Trim Gauge Repair

Postby Eagle1499 » Sat Feb 26, 2022 9:35 pm

[This topic has been moved to SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL for further discussion--Moderator]

Q1: how can an inoperative trim gauge be repaired?

Q2: where can a replacement trim gauge be ordered?

The trim gauge (on a Boston Whaler 2001 Dauntless 160 boat) seems to be stuck. The engine power trim works. The engine trim gauge remains in one position.

jimh
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Re: Trim Gauge Repair

Postby jimh » Sun Feb 27, 2022 8:38 am

Eagle1499 wrote:Q1: how can an inoperative trim gauge be repaired?
Repair of the gauge itself is likely to be impossible.

Eagle1499 wrote:Q2: where can a replacement trim gauge be ordered?
Without knowing the engine manufacturer and the engine type, no suggestions can be offered.

Your assessment that the cause of the failure of the trim gauge to respond to movement of the engine position is due to a failure of the gauge itself is not likely to be correct.

The trim gauge is part of an electrical circuit, and any element of the circuit failing will cause the symptoms you describe.

The first step in further discussion will be to determine the engine manufacturer and model.

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Phil T
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Re: Trim Gauge Repair

Postby Phil T » Sun Feb 27, 2022 10:11 am

There is a very good probability the fault lies with the trim sender and not the gauge.

The trim sender is mounted on the inside of the engine bracket.

It can be found by tilting the engine all the way up.

Inspect the electrical connection and run continuity tests of the harness.
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Oldslowandugly
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Re: Trim Gauge Repair

Postby Oldslowandugly » Mon Feb 28, 2022 10:30 pm

A few years ago I added a brand new tilt gauge and sender to my 48SPL. Within a year the sending unit was corroded to uselessness. The gauge works fine when tested.

Test your gauge by disconnecting it at the motor and follow the directions for whatever brand motor you have.

If [the gauge] passes then tilt your motor as high as you can and take a peak: I bet the trim sender is crusty, especially the ground connection. If you see much corrosion maybe you will be lucky enough to be able to remove the sender, and then repair or replace the trim sender.

The trim sender on my engine broke into chunks while just trying to remove it.

jimh
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Re: Trim Gauge Repair

Postby jimh » Tue Mar 01, 2022 12:29 pm

For advice on detecting electrical current in the water at marinas, read this excellent tutorial from FLUKE:

https://www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/ ... -boat-dock