Mercruiser J1171 Pump runs continually

[joetann]

While pulling my boat out last night, I noticed that the trim pump was running-on all by itself. I hit the trailer button a couple times and eventually it went off. A few seconds later it started again. None of my controls worked, trim/tilt or up/down. (I assume it was running toward the down position...the down line had lots of oil running out when I disconnected it). I had to disconnect the power to the unit for it to stop.<br /><br />Any suggestions for a cause?

 

[tommays]

Re: Mercruiser J1171 Pump runs continually

did the drive try to go up to the trailer position or stay all the way down ?? <br /><br />the wires on the pump controls are blue(sky)up and green(grass)down.<br />it sounds like your down Solenoid has eather failed and is staying closed or the control wireing is keeping it closed<br /><br />you will need a meter to trouble shoot the pump do you have and electric diagram it will be easery to understand the system with one<br /><br />with the power off there is a black plug with 3 wires which controls the pump up and down it is on the front of the pump base and should have a hose clamp around unplug it<br /><br /> reconnect the pump to the battery and it still runs then most likely there is a bad Solenoid<br /><br /> if it does not then there is a problem in the control wireing that is allowing power to the primary wire on the down Solenoid <br /><br />let us no what you find so someone can help you with the next step<br /><br />tommays

 

[joetann]

Re: Mercruiser J1171 Pump runs continually

Thanks tommays for the speedy reply. After thinking about the problem for a while it seems the only logical explaination would be a bad solenoid. <br /><br />The drive unit stayed down and I could make it go up. <br /><br />Hopefully that will be the fix...tracking down a wiring malfunction doesn't sound like any fun.<br /><br />Joe

 

[tommays]

Re: Mercruiser J1171 Pump runs continually

reading your reply it sounds more like control wireing if the solenoid was bad the drive would not be able to move up and down it would have stayed down <br /><br />the drive pumps up and down by running the pump cw and ccw a bad sol would not let it run both ways<br /><br />but start at the plug anyway and see what happens<br /><br />have you worked with electric before the pump has FULL BATTERY POWER and you need to cautious about shorting things out the + and - are very close to each other on the pump and its very easy to make a spark shower if you are not carefull<br /><br />tommays<br /><br />tommays

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Mercruiser J1171 Pump runs continually

It could be a sticky switch. The contacts could be stuck closed causing the pump to run continuously. If you look at the back of the trim switch you can unplug the wires easily as they are (usually) quick-connect type (sometimes called fast-ons). To keep it fool proof, label them with masking tape, then begin unplugging, if it stops, you know the switch is bad and needs to be replaced. <br /><br />Some trim switches also have a pig-tail with the connectors at the end so you may need to look further down the cable to find the connections - idea is the same. Same deal if your trim switch is built into your shifts.<br /><br />FYI - J1171 just means it is ignition protected (won't spark) as it needs to be because it is in the engine compartment. The pump itself is usually just called a trim pump.

 

[joetann]

Re: Mercruiser J1171 Pump runs continually

I went to my boat last night and disconnected the triple prong plug then gingerly connected the power to the pump, expecting it to still be running. Got the groung wire on and nothing.... Now I had to deal with an electrical problem! I checked the toggle switch on the trottle lever and pushed it back and forth several times and it seemed strong in both directions. Then I looked at the controls on the cockpit panel and noticed that the toggle switch was pushed to the DOWN position!! Someone in my party of six had inadvertantly hit the switch when I was going for the trailer!! Turned the switch to the level, off position and the trim problem was solved. I never use the trim switches on the panel deck, so I never suspected that to be the problem!! <br /><br />It seems that they could have designed the switches to return to the neutral position once you press them. The Out position goes back to off when you let go, but the down switch stays engaged. <br /><br />Duh...I should have checked this at the time of the problem!!! <br /><br />Will the running of the pump for an extended period of time lessen the life of the pump? <br /><br />Thanks to tommays and Ralph for the expert advise. I learned alot from this "problem".<br /><br />Joe

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Mercruiser J1171 Pump runs continually

hello<br /> that switch should be normally off and momentary on. if its not you really need to replace it.<br /> good luck and keep posting