1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

[R6Rider]

When I hit the tilt/trim switch on my 125 Force outboard, nothing happens up or down. It worked fine at the boat launch, but once under way it did not. I hear a clicking noise under the cowl when I hit the switch up and down. Since I consider myself "boat stupid," any suggestions?

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: 1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

First check the battery connections to see if they are clean and tight.<br /><br />Then get back to me.<br /><br />TMD

 

[R6Rider]

Re: 1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

Thanks for the reply TMD. Turns out the problem was the reset button for the trim motor. Reset the switch and tilt/trim works fine now!

 

[R6Rider]

Re: 1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

P.S. For any newbie like myself reading this post, there are two reset buttons on the 1988 Force 125 outboards. They are both on the left side of the motor (same side as the starter). One is for the main power (located higher up on the motor) and one for the tilt/trim motor (located on the lower side of the motor). Small black boxes about 1 1/4 inch in size. They usually have an orange sticker on them.

 

[force01]

Re: 1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

r6,<br />If you are drawing enough amps to trip the circuit breaker you are probably about to lose your trim motor. be prepared you may have to replace it. Good luck, bret<br /><br /> If you need further assistance please email me @ forcepower01@yahoo.com. thanks,Bret

 

[TG]

Re: 1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

r6. I have a 87 Bayliner 1800 Cobra/125 Force the reset buttons are a new one on me and I've owned this boat 6 yrs. Consider me boat stupid too. Thanks for the help

 

[lmoore101]

Re: 1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

Tom you get your tilt trim working?

 

[TG]

Re: 1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

Imoore yes it's working but still bleeding down.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: 1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

Try running it with 30 weight gear oil rather than powersteering fluid.<br /><br />TMD

 

[skycam_tx]

Re: 1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

TMD you reccomend 30 weight gear oil. I am assuming that is diferrent than 30wt motor oil. How different is it from brake fluid?<br /><br />I just replaced the fluid in my system with brake fluid since that was the closest thing in color/viscosity that I could match to what was in it. Do I need to drain/pump out the brake fluid and replace with 30 wt gear oil or can the 2 mix?

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: 1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

30 weight gear oil replace and refill.<br /><br />It is heavier than tranny or break fluid. Sometimes it stops leak down.<br /><br />I want you to keep in mind that the Tilt Cyl's failed quite often on the 125's<br /><br />TMD

 

[TG]

Re: 1988 Force 125 power tilt/trim won't work?

Marine Doc, Can the tilt cyl's be rebuilt and how much would the kits be. I'll try the 30wt gear lube but that's just a band-aid.