Mercruiser 5.7 trim up solenoid

[Rufdod]

Hi, new to the forum and I have searched the Internet and cannot seem to find anything specific to my issue. I have a mercruiser 5.7 in a 21ft marada with power trim. So far I have replaced 3 trim up solenoids . The down side has always worked, my issue is the up side. When I push the up switch all I am getting is a click on the solenoid, but if I jump the leads the motor works fine . My question is , is there something else causing solenoids to go bad, or something else that could be wrong? I find it hard to believe 3 solenoids have gone bad in 4 months with not very much use .

 

[alldodge]

Howdy

If you did some testing you would probably find the you either have corrosion, a bad switch or trim limit switch. If the trailer button is working but not the trim up, then the limit switch on the outdrive could be the issue.

Does the trailer up button work?

Could be you have a bad trim switch.

It's a Merc but what year?

Here is the newer wiring diagram

 

[Rufdod]

Thank for the response, it is a 1996. Both trailer and trim switches respond the same with just clicking at the solenoid, I am ruling out contact points because I've switched it so many times and made sure they were all clean, my next thought was the limit switch but my knowledge is minimal , and the local boat shop keeps telling me that couldn't be it

 

[alldodge]

If you can jump between the red and blue/white the drive should go up. If it does then check the connector shown in the pic. the connector can corrode and not pass current, mine went bad and it looked perfect

 

[Rufdod]

Is it possible to have the butt connectors for the limit switch backwards? If so, what would that do, and could that cause the solenoid to go bad? Which connector are you referring to the back rubber (quarter diameter) one?

 

[alldodge]

Is it possible to have the butt connectors for the limit switch backwards

No, its a switch, doesn't matter which way they are connected

Don't believe the solenoids are bad

are you referring to the back rubber (quarter diameter) one

Yes

 

[Rufdod]

I will check the connector tomorrow, it started as an intermittent problem a few days ago , now it seems consistent . The gauge in the dash doesn't work but as far as the limit working, when it gets to the top it completely cuts out, and I don't even get a click, so I assume it's working, but could also be an intermittent problem..

 

[alldodge]

when it gets to the top it completely cuts out, and I don't even get a click

The up trim button on the handle only brings the trim up a little bit, and when the preset limit is reached it disconnects the relay connection. To go any higher you have to use the trailer button

 

[Rufdod]

So after checking all connections and replacing the solenoid, as usual everything works fine. I decided to pull the old solenoid apart and imo it looks like it's getting wet? Unless there is some type of fluid inside to keep them cool?

 

[alldodge]

There is no fluid inside the relays. There are designed for wet environments, I use a hose in my bilge every now and then with no issues.

 

[Rufdod]

I wish I could attach the picture but it's saying it's too big of the inside..

 

[Rufdod]

It looked like muddy water and parts were rusty, as well as being able to see some melting on the outside cap

 

[alldodge]

I wish I could attach the picture but it's saying it's too big of the inside..

Use photobucket and use the IMG link

 

[Rufdod]

 

[alldodge]

I don't even recognize the pic, you said its a 5.7 but what year is the boat?

 

[Rufdod]

96, that's the up solenoid opened up

 

[alldodge]

For mud to be in relay, the boat must have been sunk at one time.

 

[Rufdod]

That is the third brand new solenoid I've replaced this season, I'm not saying it's mud I'm saying that's what it looks like, it looks like it's getting wet is that your opinion? It getting hit and burning then mixing with water inside I guess could cause what I'm seeing..?

 

[alldodge]

The trim pump in most cases is mounted up even with the starter. How is water getting up that high and not causing other issues. Is your bilge pump coming on? Can you post a pick of the location?

 

[Rufdod]

I'll post a pic later, it's def mounted up off the floor, the only way water would be getting in it would be from dripping directly on it, but even then idk