New to me 1999 Osprey 175

[Capt. Bob]

The trim switch was stuck. Without taking the switch apart, I was able to activate the gauge. But that was short lived as now the trim gauge reads that is up, no matter the position of the motor. I did remove the switch, however, it appears to be a sealed switch.
So looked like I will need that switch.

OK but just so I understand, you freed up the "arm" so that it rotates as the motor tilts up and down and you cleaned all the connections on the back of the gauge, correct?

[TopherMichael]

Yes

[TopherMichael]

Took the boat out all weekend off the coast of Kittery/Portsmouth, what a blast.

So what did I discover after taking her out a few times now?

- Well, I can't complain about speed. Cruised along at ~32mph and STILL had plenty of throttle
- Depending on how choppy or who passes you, you might get wet (kids loved it)
- Gauge backlights... yea 1 worked need to order replacement bulbs. Not that I needed the gauges, just would be nice Saturday evening
- Need to either replace the courtesy lightbulbs or upgrade to led style, something would have been nice when it got dark
- Livewell worked great, had it filled with mackerel. Some water does spill out the starboard side of the seat
- Belive I have mentioned this one before... the throttle can be sticky, perhaps it is all about the technique?

The main concern from yesterday was that about 3.5 - 4hrs into the day, the motor started to idle rough, kept cutting out (had 1/2 tank of gas, filled with 89 octane gas with 360 fuel stabilizer added when I filled the tank last week). Thoughts?

Just a quick follow up regarding the compression test. With the motor warm, one cylinder had a measurement of ~81psi and the 3 other cylinders were between 85psi to 88psi. Not sure if that is good or bad, but does fall within that 10% rule. It would be nice if any of the previous owners had kept a log, something that I am doing for my own notes.

[TopherMichael]

Ok... the new water pressure gauge works and the grime gauge works but it works in reverse. 

So the question is, which leads do I need to reverse so trim down doesn’t read up when the motor is down?

[Capt. Bob]

Did you replace the trim gauge or is it the one pictured earlier?

[TopherMichael]

Replaced the old gauge with this gauge. I don’t recall where, but I did find a cross reference to the following gauge.

Sierra International 57905P Trim Gauge - Amega 2" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FPY3XA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_h3kKDbJB4SDVA

[RickK]

How many wires are on the back?  I would think a pair for the internal light, a pair for the trim and maybe a pair for power?

[Capt. Bob]

Assuming you used the same wires that were on the original gauge, I'd start with the purple wire and the white with red tracer. the blue is for lighting and the black are ground. If I'm not mistaken, it works similar to the fuel gauge in that as the motor trims up or down, the voltage varies (think rheostat).

Did you replace anything at the motor end? 

[TopherMichael]

Same wires as the original gauge. I did remove the sender unit and removed the arm and spring to clean it up. The post that the arm attached to was able to rotate 360 degrees.

original gage


new gague

[Capt. Bob]

OK, it appears you have the new gauge wired correctly so if I have to guess (which is what I'm during now), I would go back to the motor and check the arm movement. Tilt it all the way up and check the rotation. It is nothing more than a rheostat so is it possible to "reverse the arm" or the connections at the switch itself?

[TopherMichael]

Will do...

Shifting to the motor. When heading back to the dock, after about 4 hrs of being out, traveling along in a no-wake zone, the motor started sputtering. Is this normal for a 99 motor? If I bumped up the throttle, the motor seemed to fire fine.

Captured a video of the motor
https://youtu.be/TPYR5POyEVA

[TopherMichael]

OK, it appears you have the new gauge wired correctly so if I have to guess (which is what I'm during now), I would go back to the motor and check the arm movement. Tilt it all the way up and check the rotation. It is nothing more than a rheostat so is it possible to "reverse the arm" or the connections at the switch itself?

I am thinking it is the wrong gauge. With the sender unit unbolted, I can turn the post and the needle operates in reverse.

[TopherMichael]

It was the gauge.

Now the trim switch on the throttle is not working 

[TopherMichael]

Back for a second year.

The trim switch on the control stopped working because the wire inside the connector broke loose just enough to not make the connection. I also replaced the trim sensor, so the trim gauge works.

Before the start of the season I did a basics tuneup... plugs, thermostats, water separator, fuel filter and water pump and a good scrubbing.

Took the boat out Sunday and the only issue I had was the engine would stall out at low rpms (in the channel) if I did not feather the throttle. Perhaps it would be with it to have the carbs cleaned?

[DLJ6]

TM, I picked up a 98 a week ago, but mine has a 70hp Johnson on it. My hull is not in as good a shape as yours. Im the third owner and the first left it in the water a lot and unfortunately she has been bottom painted a few times.  My decals are dinged up too. Im considering removing them. I had her out in the Chesapeake this past weekend and was pretty pleased with the ride. My throttle seems a bit sticky too. Her switch/gauge panel is badly cracked to, let me know what you find in the way or replacements.
I will start a sep. thread with Pics of mine but just wanted to respond here so that would could compare notes when needed.
Good luck,
Dave