07 optimax tilt won't go up without a nudge.

[juicegoose]

Noticed for a while now that when my 07 200 opti tries to tilt the motor up(not trim mind you just tilt) that the trim motor sounds normal but it won't lift the motor up without me pickup up on the lower unit to get it started. Down and trim in both directions is fine it just occurs mainly while attaching transom saver.

Any Ideas?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 07 optimax tilt won't go up without a nudge.

Did you try bleeding and refilling the power tilt unit? I would never expect "tilt only" on that motor. Is it OEM?

 

[juicegoose]

Re: 07 optimax tilt won't go up without a nudge.

The tilt/trim is OEM. Maybe it is low and it is just because it is trying to move the engine faster. What do you mean by "never expect tilt only".

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 07 optimax tilt won't go up without a nudge.

Most tilt units of that age are three cylinder power trim and tilt. The two short rams provide trim. The single, center ram provided tilt. All operated by a single switch.

 

[juicegoose]

Re: 07 optimax tilt won't go up without a nudge.

Thanks for the info. My setup is as you say. I'm going to go home and check the fluid level and bleed the system. I'm thinking that is the culprit.

 

[juicegoose]

Re: 07 optimax tilt won't go up without a nudge.

In looking at the motor last night I noticed that it looks like the problem is where the trim pistons transition to the tilt piston. I can here both motors working when they are supposed to but for the motor to begin tilting i have to pickup on the lower end. Once I get it moving then it'll go all the way up no problem.

Any Ideas?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 07 optimax tilt won't go up without a nudge.

That PTT has a single motor. Sounds like bleeding it is next step. Tilt it up all the way and lock it, boat/motor level. Remove fill plug and fill with Dextron auto Trans fluid. Install plug and cycle down and up once. Lock it up and wait 10 min for air to bubble up and out. Now refill and repeat process a few times.

 

[juicegoose]

Re: 07 optimax tilt won't go up without a nudge.

Ive got it going into the shop today for a trolling motor install and am going to try and get them to do the bleed if they have time. If not I'll do it this weekend.
I would assume from what I've learned that it's not a relay problem and it isn't a piston problem. relay wouldn't let anything work and piston leak would be evident.

maybe low on fluid or I've read that maybe it can have a busted o-ring in a bypass valve? As I understand it there is a valve that transitions the fluid from a lower psi(trim) to a higher psi(tilt) and sometimes the o ring can go out.

 

[juicegoose]

Re: 07 optimax tilt won't go up without a nudge.

Well Saturday I got the boat back and they indeed filled the trim and tilt reservoir which got everything working. Problem was, and they pointed this out, that the system was leaking fluid around where the electric motor bolts to the trim/tilt housing. When I got home I literally touched one of the screwheads and it fell off in my hand. There was no turning back so I began the removal process (pain in the arse) and got new stainless bolts installed. Everything is sealed up and working fine now.

My next question is how can I drain all the fluid out of the system. The leak allowed water into the trim and tilt system and so i have pink foamy fluid now.
My serial number is 1B505108. I know there is the fill screw and the manual release screw. I can't find in any parts breakdown on how to drain out the fluid. If I have to remove the entire unit again and turn it upside down to drain will that get most of the watery stuff out?

Thanks