Suzuki DF115 trim gauge problem

[jaydon]

Good morning

I don't know if anyone has had this problem; but i'm hoping for some advise.

The engine trim gauge on the console has gotten 'fluky'.

As the engine is trimed up the needle starts to waver. It will read ok for a second, then drop down to trimmed down, then back up.

It seems to happen most as the gauge passes thru the mid point.

I manually massaged the gauge and seems to be the same whether it's moved by hand or by the engine.

The sender looks fine, no corrosion on the spring.

Here's the deal - how to test whether it's the gauge or the sender?

Is there a way to test the signal coming from the sender?

I don't mind replacing parts, but don't want to buy a new sender and find it's the gauge or vice-versa.

By the way, the boat is at the dock.

Any help would be appreciated

Jay

[jaydon]

OK, here's the update. Went down to the boatyard and hooked up the multimeter to the gauge.

I didn't disconnect the wires at the gauge, just hooked to the terminals.

Raised and lowered the engine several times. OHMS went smoothly from about 2 to about 4 repeatedly.

The trim gauge didn't move from full up.

Switched the multi over to 12vDC. Left the trim alone and gauge started fluctuating again. The voltage on the multimeter fluctuated with the trim gauge fluctuations. All without touching the trim control.

Everyone at the boatyard said sender; but i'm not sure. The sender is $100, gauge about $40.

Anyone with any advice; or maybe it's something totally different?

Thanks

Jay

[noelm]

more than likely the sender unit.