My crazy tilt motor fiasco (stringer400)

[sikz3]

Okay went out yesterday to scout out camping location at local lake stoppped at a beach not near the ramp and got out, decided this is where we wanted to camp on the 4th and when we tried to leave the drive would not lower on my 80 400 stringer. Got a boat ride to the dock to get truck and trailer and came down to beach and loaded up boat onto trailer and pulled out partially to the point where I got stuck in the sand and had to disconnect trailer to get out so one of the onlookers offered to try to get the boat out with his f150 4x4 which took about an hour but got it done.
Now after doing a search here I found there was a tilt motor (which is hidden out of sight) just to rear of engine and I tapped the bottom of it and it lowered then stopped working again I then grabbed a small hammer and gave it a few good taps on the upper side of motor and viola! everything seems to be fine. Do you think this is adequate or does it need a new motor?
I wish I would have known to tap that motor at the lake, It would have saved me a lot of heart-ache and a few choice words!

 

[chucky112233]

Re: My crazy tilt motor fiasco (stringer400)

hello i just started to learn about these "stringer"outdrives. It is the motor down on the left side"if you r looking at the boat from the rear". A small two wire motor.. Its prob got a sticky brush or flat spot like a starter motor. It may work for a while but for security"dont wanna be stuck again!" i would pull it off and i would take it to a generator rebuilder. They can prob rebuild or put new brushes in it for a fraction of new,Or clean up and install new brushes yourself,i used to grind new brushs on alternators to make them fit odd electric motors,starters etc..lol its funny the stringer i have i have to do the same thing,but my boat is on blocks right now....least of my worries...

 

[Boomyal]

Re: My crazy tilt motor fiasco (stringer400)

You didn't say what year your stringer was. Earlier ones used a two wire motor that bolted to the IH with two bolts thru the motor itself, later ones used a 3 wire unit and had a flange that bolted to the IH. Either way they are subject to stress from condesation and or water/oil coming up from the tilt gear box. As mentioned by Chucky, you should periodically remove, inspect and clean. You should get a manual. It specifies a torque test to determine if the motor can develop sufficient power.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: My crazy tilt motor fiasco (stringer400)

Those motors live in a pretty damp environment. If you removed it and took it apart you would likely find gobs of rust and scale inside. As was suggested, have a reputable starter/alternator rebuilding shop have a go at rebuilding it. New end plates and brushes, and cleaning up the commutator should bring it back to life -- provided it is not more rust than metal.