Is it necessary to retract trim pistons?

[JRW7714]

After raising the motor up to full tilt up position and locking in place, is it necessary to retract the two trim pistons? If leaving the pistons exposed, should I spray them with some type of lubricant to protect them or is retracting them better?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Is it necessary to retract trim pistons?

I like retracting them for the simple fact that if they are not exposed nothing can nick or damage them.
other than that it depends on the model number of the engine we are disscussing.
some units actually use pressure down and others simply use a wiper seal in the cap.
dunno what you have as my monitor wont show it and my crystal ball is on loan.

 

[JRW7714]

Re: Is it necessary to retract trim pistons?

Thanks rodbolt, it's a 2007 F 150 TXR, brand new. Dealer said it's ok to leave them up and when I hit the down button after the engine support lever is locked in place, it seems like there's an awful lot of pressure on the lock lever so I've just been smearing a little marine grease on them ocassionaly and leaving them up. I'm a newbie with outboards, just learning. I also had an issue with the fuel/water separator alarm going off. Checked the bowl and it's water free so Yamaha is sending me a replacement sensor. Hear of any inherent problems with those sensors? I disconnecetd the sensor alarm and the engine runs fine. Ring inside the bowl stays on the bottom.

 

[David Greer]

Re: Is it necessary to retract trim pistons?

My manual said to lower them. I keep the boat in the (salt) water, so I think it's agood idea. I don't think you are putting any downward pressure on the lock lever b/c the engine drops by gravity, I think.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Is it necessary to retract trim pistons?

yes there are some issues with some of the water detect switches.