Bayliner 185 Tilt and Trim Motor issue and engine temp question

[acevedor2]

Hey guys - had the boat out for the first time in two years today and noticed when I got her home that the motor going down is making a strange noise. I didn't notice it when I was out, but that doesn't mean it wasn't there, just that I might not have noticed. It trims both up and down fine (or at least it appears to), but it sounds normal going up and sounds strange coming down. Almost as if it has air in it or a motor issue. I did notice the fluid might be a little low, but it wasn't super low - there was fluid in the reservoir. Video link below. Would love to know what you guys think it might be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PnL4Klc4sL8

Also, I changed out the impeller last week and noticed today that the temp fluctuated between about 175 and a couple of clicks right of that (between 175 and the next line - which I believe is 200). It ran fine and never got higher than 187 (again - the middle of the two lines 175/200). Is that normal and if not, what should I check. Motor ran fine and strong and had her up to about 43 knots. Should I change the thermostat? One other item of note is that water temp was about 83-85 today. Pic of where it was below:

 

[glenn property of pam]

pump sounds ok to me. Up uses more hydraulic pressure than down so you can hear the difference but that's normal. Not sure what temp the motor is meant to run at and may be better if you asked on the forum for your brand of motor.

 

[acevedor2]

Hmmm. You don't hear the difference when going down that almost sounds like air or gearing noise? I just re listened to the video and it definitely sounds different. I just don't remember it makin that noise before and I want to make sure there is nothing bad/going bad and get stuck out there. Is there anything I should check?

 

[glenn property of pam]

it does sound different but you have to remember that going up the pump is having to lift the drive against gravity so its working harder (higher pitch). Going down gravity is helping the drive come down so it requires less hydraulic force so it sounds (lower pitched). take a look at the drive it should move smoothly. Also tilt it half way then push down and lift up on the drive. If the drive moves a inch or so then returns (bounces back) when you let go then it might have trapped air in the system

 

[acevedor2]

Thanks Glenn. I'll try that. I will also top it off with fluid just to make sure, but I doubt that's the issue because there is definitely fluid until at least half way in the reservoir. If it turns out there is air in the system,my understanding is the way to get it out is to just cycle the motor up and down - correct? Also, if I end up having to do that, is there a max number of times I want to do that before giving it a break? Would hate to burn out the motor.

 

[acevedor2]

Ok - there is definitely an issue with this pump and that sound is not normal. Filled the reservoir after work today. It was a little low and took about 6 ounces. I then cycled it back and forth about 3-4 times up and down and it sounded normal and perfect. Just as it should. I cycled it a few more times and then the noise started again. I checked the reservoir again and it was a little low again. I assume the system had air in it because there are definitely no leaks. So I added more fluid and cycled it several more times. The reservoir did not go down anymore so I assume I got all of the air out (might be a bad assumption), but it sounds terrible going down. Any idea what it could be?

Here is a video of how it sounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=2HbI4FM5Gng

 

[acevedor2]

Found this as well. Seems like an exact match. I don't think I understand what the cause is though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=gey1O0fpEQA