My trim sending gage has started to act erradically (sp?) in that it is slow to respond to trim adjustments and bounces around sometimes. The drive responds to trim adjustments and does not tilt up all the way unless told to (trailer position) though. Is this a sign of shorting of the trim sending unit or trim limit or trim switch?

And who's got that free on-line *.pdf for mercruiser again?

I downloaded that and stored it on my computer but apparently it is only the main file and none of the additional files that I need have been downloaded along with it...

Easy enough. The contacts on your trim position sending unit are fouled up and need cleaning. Just be gentle when removing. These little discs break easily.

Your trim limiter switch sounds like it is doing exactly what it should be.

That's what I though. So maybe the sending unit doesn't need replacement but rather the contacts may have become corroded? You can just pull the cap and clean the contacts or does the drive need to come off to get at the contacts?

Pull the cap and use some steal wool and contact cleaner. There should be some dielectric grease on them also.

Make the position with a paint marker in case you bump the position.

Can the VP senders be cleaned this way also?

No idea. Never worked on the VP.

Thanks Boatsrule! I'll be poppin' the cap and having a look-see soon.

The link above talks about "partial disassembly of the gimbal housing". Is that just to sell speciallized tools for a job that can be much simpler? To be fair that link is for replacement of the sending unit and limiting unit and not just cleaning the connectors.

Trim sender is on starboard side . . . turn wheel hard to port. check the wiring leading from the sender for breaks, frays, etc. If all looks good, then loosen/remove the 4 cap screws (not the 2 that hold the sender into position).

Do the cleaning thing that the others recommended. If all looks good, then saturate the innerds with marine grease (they don't grease them enough at the factory - can you believe it?). Re-assemble the cap, check the adjustment, etc.

Otherwise (wires broken/frayed), buy a new set (they are sold in pairs - sender & limit switch) and re-install. If you are good at orthoscopic surgery, then no need to do the "minor dis-assembly" of the outdrive. (been there done that, saved a lot of time)

I'm half blind and my hands shake!

Where's that free on-line repair manual when you need it?

Most of it you cannot see anyway, ample beer will steady the hands.

Maybe that's why they shake?

Seriously though. It is one of those touchy-feely jobs then? I hate those!