HELP! 125 force trim leaking

[wrenchspinna]

I have a 1987 force 125hp. the trim leaks down a little bit each day. Im wondering if this is an easy fix, or is this a problem that I need to replace the pump.

If the problem is fixable, I am wondering how. Im assuming that the pump is the cylinder on the right, and the two rams on each side of the motor are not the problem, but im not sure. any help would be great. I was told that you can replace the o-rings, but I don't know which ones. If I could get the part numbers, and instuctions, I would greatly appreciate it. thanks again.

-dave

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: HELP! 125 force trim leaking

Force & Chrysler Outboards

 

[RRitt]

Re: HELP! 125 force trim leaking

Your trim system has three parts: electric motor, hydraulic pump (aka valve body), and hydraulic cylinders (aka ram).

In general -

when the electric motor fails the system doesn't work in either direction. This can be caused by problems with motor, switch, relay, or wiring. Motor failure is rarely caused by hours. Motor failure is almost always a result of moisture getting inside motor.

when the valve body fails the system can't hold pressure once the electric motor stops spinning. Specifically, the system will lift but as soon as you release the switch it begins to slowly drift down. At first the drift may take weeks. In later stages the system may drift down in less than a minute.

Both motor and valve body failure are caused by the breakdown of rubber with age. Both sets of seals usually give out within a year or two of each other. When either valve body or trim motor fail it is usually a wise idea to have the other component serviced at same time. If it is your valve body that fails first then you should definitely take the time to put new seals on your trim motor. If your motor does not have internal rust then new seals can add another 10 years to its lifespan for a mere $10 or so.

cylinder failure is relatively rare. When it occurs it is generally obvious with casual inspection. Fluid usually leaks from one of the cylinders. If there are not any fluid leaks then your rams are probably okay. The one item to inspect on rams is the piston shaft debris scrapers. On the very top center of tilt & shock rams there is a small hard plastic fitting that scrapes dirt & debris off piston shaft. make sure that this piece is in good shape. if it allows water to pass then your rams might rust out.


anyway .... you probably need a valve body. If you're going to do it soon then look on ebay for rebuild. If you're going to wait until next season then look for the aftermarket product from API Marine. The new pump will run you about $300 and you're going to need to order early. They only make one batch per year and it usually sells out by July. I don't expect the ebay rebuilds to be offered past the end of this season.

 

[wrenchspinna]

Re: HELP! 125 force trim leaking

I appreciate the help, but i was wondering where the valve body is. Is that the unit to the right of the motor with wires and hoses coming from it?

-dave

 

[RRitt]

Re: HELP! 125 force trim leaking

there should not be any part of your trim system with hoses coming from it. They aren't strong enough and are likely to explode under pressure. You should have four stainless steel solid tubes running from pump to hydraulic rams.

Your engine is a 'tweener year. It could have come with either 2w or 3w trim system. Either way there should be a single cable coming from the motor. If you see multiple wires then you are either looking at somethingother than trim system or you have other problems in addition to bleed down.

The valve body is the aluminum piece on bottom of motor that has four tubes connected into it. If you try to fix it yourself then you are much more likely to damage it than fix it.

 

[wrenchspinna]

Re: HELP! 125 force trim leaking

thanks for the help. I meant lines not hoses. Thanks again.

-dave