I have cables from he drives to the dash indicators? I cannot get the dash indicators to move ? I am not sure where the stoppage in the cable is, and what to do to get it to work. Suggestions? Ideas, other than installing new cables ?

I want to go boating tomorrow if possible, if I can get this done at home rather than paying someone to do it?

When I get sticky cables like that I hit the ends with pb blaster, wd 40, or something similar. It will wick down the cable and help loosen any gunk. Hit both ends wherever cable is exposed from the shield. Let it sit, then keep working the cables.

On the drive indicator slide (mounted to the trim ram on the drive) it will be a stainless tube with a black plastic tube that slides inside the stainless one. It utilizes a spring to put pressure on the sliding tube so as you trim up/out the inner tube is being forced to expand. The spring could be corroded and it does need to be greased periodically. It comes apart relatively easy. It would be a good place to start. Good luck with it, if the cables are sticky though it won't be long until their shot unfortunately.

I cleaned and lubed the rams on both of my drives. Finally broke down and replaced the cables.
90% sure that is the problem. If you replace your cables you will need to know how to adjust them
properly. I have directions if you need them.

Thanks guys for the feedback. I appreciate your responses, at least I have some know-how from guys who have been there and done that. Thanks.

Adjusting drive cable indicators

If you look on the spring loaded cylinder you will see a small hole on both sides. There is also a hole through the black plastic rod. To align them run the drives all the way in then check the rod inside the cylinder to see if the hole is aligned. Push the black rod in against the spring pressure. You should be able to run an Allen key or a drill bit through them (1/8”). If you do not see the hole try turning the rod to make sure it has not just turned where you cannot see the hole. To align, loosen the clamps enough for you to be able to stick whatever you are using through the hole. With the drives all the way in now move the cylinder with rod pinned until the rod touches the circular cup on the drive. Apply just a little pressure where the drill bit will slide back and forth. Now tighten the clamps on the cylinder then pull the drill bit out. The needle on your indicator should be on 1. If the needle is off you can adjust the rods under the dash with a couple of small wrenches. The rod fits between a nut on each side( 10mm), just loosen and move which way you need. Retighten and you are done. Your drive tab should read 1 with the drive(s) trimmed all the way in.

Hope this helps

At some point your going to need to replace the cables. When you do, be absolutely sure that where the cable comes off the drive and up the transom into the boat there is no way that water can pool or stay in the cable housing. You can't keep the water out, but you want to be sure when the boat is on the trailer that any water in the cable can drain out on it's own, no matter what position the drive/drives are in. Replacing the cables is no picnic (at least on my boat). I replaced both cables on my boat before I knew this. I had a small loop in the cable on one drive and that cable now needs replacing (after 4 years) while the other cable (no loop or low spot) is still working fine.

Most likely, the plungers on the drives are just stuck and have some sediment or crusty mineral build up in them.