I think both trim cylinders are bad

[70mustang]

I would appreciate some help.
I have a 1999 Alpha One, Merc and my power trim is not working. I removed both trim cylinders from the outdrive and when I activate the trim switch, one cylinder doesn't move at all and the other one barely moves and makes a moaning sound when it does.
The trim pumps seems to be working, at-least I heard it when I active the switch. So, my thought is that both cylinders need to be rebuilt. Please offer a second opinion and a site where I can purchase the rebuilt kits. Thank you in advance for your opinions.
Marty

 

[Bondo]

Re: I think both trim cylinders are bad

Ayuh,... Is there oil in the pump,..??

Is this a saltwater boat,..??

 

[Don S]

Re: I think both trim cylinders are bad

one cylinder doesn't move at all and the other one barely moves and makes a moaning sound when it does.

When they moan, it's probably corrosion in the endcap around the shaft. Pull them apart and look.

 

[70mustang]

Re: I think both trim cylinders are bad

thanks for the quick response guys.
Yes, there is fluid, new fluid in the pump and the suggestion to check the end caps.
Do you mean, just unscrew them and re-lubricate the o-ring?

 

[70mustang]

Re: I think both trim cylinders are bad

Oh sorry, I forgot. Yes this is a salt water boat. But, I store it on a boat lift. The only time it's in the water is when I'm using it.

 

[Don S]

Re: I think both trim cylinders are bad

But, I store it on a boat lift. The only time it's in the water is when I'm using it.

That makes it worse. If it stayed underwater constantly it would probably be fine right now ............... only about 1/2 way to where it's at now. Welcome to IO's and salt water.

PS: being in salt water, I sure hope you pull your drive off yearly for maintenance, and don't cut any corners with the maintenance. The cost of boating goes up fast if you don't.

 

[70mustang]

Re: I think both trim cylinders are bad

OK Don, now you got my attention, so please complete our conversation:
Where can I find the end caps for these cylinders so I can replace them?
Please outline the outrdrive annual mntc, as I am only applying grease and keeping the gear lube topped off.
Sorry for being so ignorant.
Marty

 

[Don S]

Re: I think both trim cylinders are bad

The gear lube should be replaced YEARLY, not topped off. If you have to top it off, you have a leak. You really need to pull the outdrive yearly and check for water in the bellows, and in salt water you should be changing the bellow every 5 years and the impeller every 3 years. You also need to clean the old grease out of the bellows from greasing the gimbal bearing, and checking the gimbal bearing for smoothness. Then there is the alignment, and lubing the coupler shaft.

Head up to the Adults Only Stickie at the top of the forum, look at the winterizing, summerizing, and Merc info sections. You are at the stage now that luck is holding it together if you do nothing more than grease zircs and top of lube.

In case you can't find the stickies, here's the link http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288430

 

[Pete104]

Re: I think both trim cylinders are bad

Why is it people only worry about maitainance when they have a problem?
Owners manual? What owners manual?

My car blah blah