'87 Mariner Magnum 150 Tilt/Trim Issues

[OneVintageGirl]

Hi...I'm really unsure what exactly the problem is. I've just purchased this engine/boat (my 1st) and haven't put her in the water yet.. <br />The tilt/trim motor usually works the 1st time I adjust the motor position however after that nothing but clicks. Then suddenly..it works..once or twice..then clicks. Unfortunately the once or twice has been at storage and all the clicks..you guessed it..at the lakes edge. Would this be a solenoid problem.. or possibly wiring? My owners manual doesn't list serial# for solenoid do I need to remove it to find this? I d/l a schematic for the wiring but don't know if its for a merc eng or what.I think it shows 2 solenoids one up and one down..is this correct? Whats involved with removing/replacing? My next purchase will be a manual! Thnkx in advance for your help!

 

[MercFan]

Re: '87 Mariner Magnum 150 Tilt/Trim Issues

Welcome to the forum!<br /><br />I'm guessing that you can't hear the pump motor turning when it does click? If the motor is turning then it's probably just low oil level and you can simply top it up.<br /><br />If it's only a click, and the motor isn't turning it could be the solenoid or the motor earth is corroded.<br /><br />On my T&T I only have 1 solenoid (3 position). It's on the power pack itself and looks pretty easy to replace.<br /><br />If sum1 works the T&T while you look for the source of the click, that's the solenoid.<br /><br />The most probable cause of your problem is simply worn pump motor brushes. Will probably cost a buck and takes about an hour to replace if your power pack is hard to get to.<br /><br />HTH

 

[Boatwizard]

Re: '87 Mariner Magnum 150 Tilt/Trim Issues

If it runs then only clicks it's more than likely your relay or solenoids, whatever it has. They get a burned spot on the contacts. That's why the won't work then work, then won't again.

 

[OneVintageGirl]

Re: '87 Mariner Magnum 150 Tilt/Trim Issues

Thanks for the replies!! Thats what I figured..but there seems to be some confusion as to just exactly which part and how many I need...West Marine looked it up for me and said it shows up as a single switch/relay. It looks like a small solenoid (actually 2 small solenoids) 1 for the up and 1 for the down. Depending on which way you push the trim lever, both units are clicking respectively. I can't seem to find a manual here locally..or the part of course...it would help greatly 2 know which parts I need! Anyone having this info please contact me. Also any instructions for removing/replacing these would be most helpful! Don't want to short them, me or anything else out when replacing!!

 

[Boatwizard]

Re: '87 Mariner Magnum 150 Tilt/Trim Issues

Mercury number is 89-818864T, there is a cheaper version available, it's not supposed to last as long but works great, 89-96158T.

 

[MercFan]

Re: '87 Mariner Magnum 150 Tilt/Trim Issues

If you manage to get the parts, just removed one of your battery terminals when you remove and replace them. It's not dangerous, and unless you grab a sparkplug while the enigine is running you won't get a shock, so don't worry <br /><br />If you have trouble getting the parts, try removing them, opening and cleaning the contacts with some sand paper.

 

[MercFan]

Re: '87 Mariner Magnum 150 Tilt/Trim Issues

What you can also do to isolate the problem to worn brushes or faulty solenoid is:<br />Look for the motor (+) wire. The (-) should simply be grounded to chassis.<br /><br />While someone is holding your trim down button, use a AVO to check for power on the motor. If the motor is receiving 12V, you have brush or other issues. If the motor is not receiving 12V, it your solenoid/relay.<br /><br />If you are alone, simply jump some cables from the battery + & - to the motor + and ground.