Alpha Stern Drive can't trim up at all

[summerwind1991]

An 1993 Alpha, trim cylinder rod has been leaking fluid and now the stern drive will not trim up at all. It can trim down, but not up, and I can not trailer boat. Is there anything I can do just to get the boat on the trailer, at which point I can replace the gaskets etc.? The fluid in the trim pump is carmel coloured, the new ATF fluid is cherry red. I'd like to remove tainted Power trim fluid and replace.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha Stern Drive can't trim up at all

Are you saying the drive won't come up even with the trim motor running? If so, you may need to add fluid because it's too low.
IF the motor won't run up, try jumping the solenoids large terminals (Solenoid with blue wires)
If that still doesn't work, pull the trim cylinder pin on the back of the drive and raise the drive by hand.

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: Alpha Stern Drive can't trim up at all

There is plenty of fluid in trim motor reservoir, however it is carmel colored. Trim motor running it will not raise. How can I identify the trim cylinder pin on a 125 HSP, 1993 ALPHA.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha Stern Drive can't trim up at all

You have water in the trim pump causing the color change, and water is not a great hydraulic fluid.
The pin I was talking about is the aft pin that holds the trim cylinders to the outdrive. Remove it and the drive will lift up.

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: Alpha Stern Drive can't trim up at all

Thanks Don, Can I suck the contaminated fluid out of the reservouir and replace with ATF, just to get the engine up or is taking the pin out easier, the boat is in about 4' , do I need a special tool?

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: Alpha Stern Drive can't trim up at all

It was solenoid, just replaced it. $25 part. You probably saved me quite a bit. Thanks Don.