87 Force 125 Trim Unit - Won't go Up - Help!

[jhs5150]

Hello,
I have an 87 Force 125. Runs OK but the power trim does nothing (no motor sound) when I try to raise the motor. The motor runs when I toggle it to the Down position. I replaced the toggle switch after it fell apart in my hand and thought that would fix it - same problem. There is some kind of a sensor on the port side of the engine mount with 2 wires that come out of it -1 goes to the trim gauge in the dash, the other to ground I believe. The dash gauge reads tilt up all the way (maxed) but the motor is down. This seems to me that this "sensor" is the problem. I tried to manally lift the motor to put the travel brace under it but it won't go up. Is there a relief valve like on a floor jack I can use to relieve the hydrualic pressure so I can lift the motor? I want to fix the trim problem but I need to raise motor in the meantime. Please help with either/both if you can.

Thanks,

Joel

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 87 Force 125 Trim Unit - Won't go Up - Help!

First try reversing the relays. Sometime one is bad and the motor will only run in one direction. If the motor now only runs in the up direction, then it is a bad relay.

Better to replace both though. There is no pressure relief valve, but if you have the screw in valves in the pump body unscrew the front one with an allen wrench. You will lose fluid and need to replace it, but in an emergency, you will be able to move the engine. ---better than dragging the skeg all the way home.

 

[jhs5150]

Re: 87 Force 125 Trim Unit - Won't go Up - Help!

Thanks. Where are the relays on this unit?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 87 Force 125 Trim Unit - Won't go Up - Help!

Good question! I wasn't really thinking. If it is a two wire motor (green and blue to the motor) and the engine is black or dark blue, the relays should be located inside the bottom pan at the entrance for the battery cables and electrical cable. (starter side)

If it is a three wire motor, Cable with green, blue, and black ground) then there are no relays and there is a problem with the motor.

 

[RRitt]

Re: 87 Force 125 Trim Unit - Won't go Up - Help!

see this thread and hotwire your trim motor accordingly. the results should tell you what is wrong.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=316511

 

[jhs5150]

Re: 87 Force 125 Trim Unit - Won't go Up - Help!

The UP relay was bad. I got 2 from NAPA for $15 ea. A little pricey but it was round the corner so I paid for convenience - an even swap in my book.
Good thing I bought 2. The 2nd one quit right after - 22 yrs old. For anyone reading this post in the future - if your trim switch is connected to unswitched power (accessories, radio, etc.) and you get nothing either up or down, check that your 12v unswitched fuse is not blown. You can also see if accessories are working. After I put the relays in the switch was dead, then I realized the fuse had blown. I probably blew it when using a screwdriver to pry off the relay connectors.
Note: disconnect the power when changing relays to avoid this ;-)

L8R