1999 Ficht 200 Trim/Tilt Problem

[soundguy]

Hi all,
The system will trim down every time. It is the up part that is sporadic. I have swapped the relays. When swapped, the down relay still clicks and the up relay does nothing. If I keep pusing the trim up on the motor, eventually it will work. I was able to get the the motor to it's full tilt. I opened the fill resevoir and I heard a rush of air and just a bit of oil leaked out. The oil was very black. Is that normal?
I was going to cycle the trim to purge any air in the system and before i got to the trailer bracket I stopped and tried to tilt back up. Nothing. I engaged the trailer bracket. It's a good thing, because the motor drifted down slowly until it was resting on the bracket.
I've checked the switch on the motor with a DMM and it works. I have a switch on the throttle, foot switches, and a bow switch. I haven't checked those, but I have never had any trim problems in the past.

What could the problem be?

Thanks.

 

[DJ]

Re: 1999 Ficht 200 Trim/Tilt Problem

You have two issues.

1. I believe you have a switch issue, or associated wiring. If any of your switches has an "open" the system will NOT work.

2. The system is low on fluid.

As far as the fluid goes, refill the unit with tilt/trim fluid from BRP/OMC-dealer. Do that with the engine fully tilted up.

You do not have to "bleed" the system by leaving the vent screw loose. The system will take care of itself.

Cycle the system a few times. after refilling. Be aware that you can overheat it.

 

[soundguy]

Re: 1999 Ficht 200 Trim/Tilt Problem

Thanks DWJ,
Come to think of it, my bow up switch acts wierd sometimes. It may be the culprit.
What about the motor drifting down. Would air cause that? Is the system hard to take apart and clean?

 

[DJ]

Re: 1999 Ficht 200 Trim/Tilt Problem

Soundguy,

As said, just add fluid.

Do this.

1. With engine fully UP and braced in place remove the fill plug. It is a big (slot head) screw facing back (aft).

2. Refill the unit with tilt/trim fluid from your local John/Rude dealer.

3. Replace plug and cycle up and down-three times.

4. Repeat step #1 and #2.

5. You should be fine.

I've found that "add on" switches, by boat makers, cause issues, as you and I suspect.

 

[soundguy]

Re: 1999 Ficht 200 Trim/Tilt Problem

Problem fixed.
Turns out the tilt limit switch was sticking. The motor never trims high enough to hit it, but the spring inside the switch lost it's springiness.


Thanks.