Alpha 1 Gen 2 Tilt/Trim questions-gctid346529

[Guest]

I have a 98 2355 with an Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive. The tilt/trim rams sat in the up position for a while and need assistance to move up or down. So I am assuming they need to be rebuilt. The price for the rebuild kit is really expensive ($160 each) and the cost for mercruiser replacement is rediculous ($403 each). Has anyone used a sterndrive engineering replacement ram? I can get replacement rams from them for less than the rebuild kit for the mercruiser ($120 each). Am I throwing money away by getting this cheaper alternative?

Also, it looks as though the trim position sender wires are completely corroded at the sender. Do I really need to have these working? They are about 75 buck each. What function do they provide me?

Thanks,

Jason

[Guest]

I have had excellent luck with SEI, and have no problems with using their stuff.

As for the Trim Position Sender wires, mine were corroded thru also. The downside of not knowing where the outdrive is positioned is that you could possibly raise it too far while underway and it would no longer be supported properly. I ended up replacing the entire transom and outdrive as part of my restoration, but at the end of the day I don't think you need to go too crazy with this. Just be careful about trimming by using only small adjustments from the fully down position and use those adjustments sparingly,

[Guest]

Thanks for the info. I did some googling for reviews and saw that most everyone was pleased so I placed my order. I think I will hold off on the trim sensors and keep $150 in the bank for it later if needed.

[Guest]

Take one apart and measure the seals, You should have 2 pressure seal's one for each direction, a wiper seal that is at the end if the cylinder, posable a wear band, These seal's can be had at a hydraulic sealing house for about 20.00 bucks a side, If you need any help locating these let me know, Doug

[Guest]

The trim sensors are cheap.

Installing them is alot of work.

To run the wires thru the transom requires taking off the bellows and outdrive.

If you have a gauge on your dash that indicates outdrive position, that is what the starboard one is for. If you don't have that gauge, it is useless.

The port side sensor prevents the trim from going up to high so you don't run the boat with the outdrive at too high of an angle which will wear stuff out faster.

If you are smart enough to not crank the trim up to high when boating, it is a safety feature that can be done without.

[Guest]

You might want to try running a hot jumper line straight to the relays to see if maybe it is just a lack of electricity that is preventing them from working.

Is the electric pump spinning good?

[itsabowtime2]

Is the boat new to you? If so the trim sensor, if installed is a nice feature. If not, as you get to know the boat you will be able to tell by feel and sound where you are trim wise. If you over trim you will begin to porpoise.

[Guest]

I already bought the SEI rams. They are in the mail. I will keep the old ones and see if I can do a cheap rebuild job on them when I have time. I have decided to wait on the trim sensors as I really don't see a need for them. I don't have the guage on the dash and I have had enough boats over the years that I think I can keep from over trimming the outdrive.

Thanks,

jason