I actually tried that last week, you are dead on the money, when I swiched the ribbon cables "side to side" the "problem" just switched sides.

I had been told to "clean" the rams and and the indicator part that "clamshells" to the ram itself, it seemed to help a bit, since before, I only had a top and bottom light on BOTH sides regardless of tab position, after the cleaning I got all the lights on one side and the top and bottom only on the opposite side, I tried as you suggested to switch the ribbon cables side to side and I ended up with all the lights on the opposite side working and just the top and bottom on the other.

I was hoping there was a way to furthur troubleshoot? but, it sounds like I will have to call Boat Leveler and get some parts, I had no problem ordering parts, but, wanted to have an idea of what the problem was first, I hate to throw good money after bad.

Thanks for the help guys! From what I have been told, this is a pretty common problem with these units

Michael

The tech guy said I could send mine in for testing, but if it was bad, I would still need to buy the new design. I didn't see any point of sending in something I know was bad at 1 part, only to be told, yep, it's bad. Gotta buy new.

I don't see why cleaning the clamshell and ram has anything to do with it working or not. The clamshell is just picking up the magnetic signal from the magnet that is fastened to the top of the ram piston cup.
The system is really just the gauge, wiring, clamshell and magnet. Sounds as if one of your clamshell is bad. The wireing is sealed, non repairable at teh clamshell itself. Mine were dry and the wire sheathing was spilt allowing water inside the clamshell. '95 units, so they served their time. All new now, works perfect.
Good luck

I was told the reason to clean the clamps was because occasionally stuff will build up between the ram and the clamp and the magnet wont be able to pick up the signal? I figured it couldn't hurt to try, I think I will take your advice and start from scratch, Is there an adapter available for the gauge? Mine seems to work fine, I would just need the new "clamps" and wiring I assume?

Michael

I'm not sure filling the inside of the bilge with water and tilting the boat back will find your leaks that are coming from the outside of the boat. I don't think that the water pressure would be as high as the water pressure from the outside when the boat is in the water. Also, unless you had the water level in the bilge as high has the spot on your transom plate where you saw the water running in, then the water in the bilge would not find its way into the transom. Also, I don't think it is a good idea to fill the bilge up to a level to cause the water to get into the drive shaft bellows. This may cause problems with the gimbal bearing, etc. It is pretty simple to remove and re-install (with good sealant) the trim tabs and drain plug housing to make sure they are not leaking.

The complete kit is cheaper than he individual parts. Look on eBay for several dealers that have an eBay store for the kit.

No, no adapter