1983 Mercury 80hp, System "A" Trim TIlt Question

[DaveHaney1408]

I have a 1983 Mercury 80HP outboard with a System "A" type trim tilt. I just purchased new Trim Tilt Hydraulic lines because the old lines rubber insulation is cracked and falling off. <br /> I want to replace the lines but got stuck on the following:<br /> My manual says "use clean MS,SD,SE,SF 20W, or 5W-30, or 10W-40." <br /> It continuses to say "use one of these fluids to flush the system."<br /> It dont say what fluid I should use to fill the system for use.<br /> Im a technition (Not a boat Tech!) and am use to doing what I read, but it's just so ambiguous!<br /> Are all the fluids listed ok for normal service? <br /> Is one better than the other?<br /> ANd what the heck is MS,SD,SE??<br /> <br /> I'm sitting hear on the 40 Yard line, getting ready to punt! <br /><br />Dave

 

[JB]

Re: 1983 Mercury 80hp, System "A" Trim TIlt Question

Hi, Dave.<br /><br />Welcome to the board.<br /><br />I am going to move this to Mercury Troubles, where we deal with repair questions.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 1983 Mercury 80hp, System "A" Trim TIlt Question

ME, SD, SE refers to the oil additives which you don't need (but it don't hurt to have) for hydraulics. IF you can find it, 20W would be your first choice. If you live and boat in a cold climate, 5W30 would be better. 10W40 sounds a little thick to me, probably best for hot climates. I personally would aim for the 5W30 because it's not too hard to find. Use the same stuff for flushing and filling. You can use oil with the additives (you won't find exactly those letters anymore), or you can use a non-detergent Ford type oil.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 1983 Mercury 80hp, System "A" Trim TIlt Question

hello<br /> the MS MD SE all were SAE/API service grades. it just is an engineering code. its still avalible just sometomes a bit hard to find. most any 10w-40 will work as well . I think you will find the SE the most common. good luck and keep posting.you will find the code as either an SAE or an API I cant remember the exact wording the merc labels used.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[DaveHaney1408]

Re: 1983 Mercury 80hp, System "A" Trim TIlt Question

Thanks Guys!,<br /><br /> I think i'll use 5W-30. it gets down to 15F in the winter hear and as hot as 107 in the summer. (Thats hight desert living foor you!)<br /> <br /> You have been much help!<br /><br />Dave

 

[DaveHaney1408]

Re: 1983 Mercury 80hp, System "A" Trim TIlt Question

I would like to thank all of you for your reply. <br /> I flushed the system with 5W-30,and replaced two cracked and weathered Hydraulic line. The Trim/Tilt now lifts faster and smother. <br /> We took the boat to the lake yesterday. My son and I cought two Stripers, one 7 and another 11 pound!<br /><br /> Thanks again guys for all the input. <br /><br />Dave in Albuquerque.