OMC 120HP - Select Trim Problems

[Litetwin4]

The select trim on my OMC 120HP will not work.

I have the three wire unit which sits beneath the front of the engine. When I try to move the trim in either direction it just clicks in the engine compartment.

The first thing I checked was the connections at the solenoids. I confirmed they were all clean and tight.

The second thing I confirmed was correct voltage on the motor leads. I confirmed 12.5 VDC was present at the power leads. (Both directions)

As a last resort, I tried was jumping 12VDC directly to the leads but it still did not help. It seems to be shorted to ground so I am starting to think the motor is shot.

Can someone answer the following questions.

1) Could this problem be caused by something else?

2) Can the trim motor be repaired without removing the entire trim unit and jacking the motor up?

3) Could this trim motor be repaired with a brush kit?

4) Is it better to replace the entire trim motor?

5) Where is the cheapest source for these parts.

Thank a million.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC 120HP - Select Trim Problems

gryhnd is the resident expert- check out his thread here:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=399093

 

[Litetwin4]

Re: OMC 120HP - Select Trim Problems

Thanks for the quick feedback Howard.

I went out tonight and was able to remove the trim motor in 20 minutes.

Seems all of the forum members recommend to use either a hoist or chain fall to lift the engine. (Don't have access to either one)

I found a much simpler way. I took the lag bolts out of the front mounts and used light lifting force on a pry bar to raise the front of the motor. I then placed a large diameter socket (2" high) under the motor mount and allowed the mount to rest on it. (engine completely secure - no tipping at all)

This raised the motor up which exposed the trim motor screws for removal.

Removed the trim motor, disassembled and found the motor froze due rusting of the iron cores. A little WD40 and few light taps and it is out. Brushes and commutator look fine. No broken wires.

I called a starter rebuilder and he states he can clean it up and revive it for $30.

Trying to get the family on the water for the fourth of July. Wish me luck!

 

[RRitt]

Re: OMC 120HP - Select Trim Problems

Thanks for the quick feedback Howard.

I went out tonight and was able to remove the trim motor in 20 minutes.

Seems all of the forum members recommend to use either a hoist or chain fall to lift the engine. (Don't have access to either one)

I found a much simpler way. I took the lag bolts out of the front mounts and used light lifting force on a pry bar to raise the front of the motor. I then placed a large diameter socket (2" high) under the motor mount and allowed the mount to rest on it. (engine completely secure - no tipping at all)

This raised the motor up which exposed the trim motor screws for removal.

Removed the trim motor, disassembled and found the motor froze due rusting of the iron cores. A little WD40 and few light taps and it is out. Brushes and commutator look fine. No broken wires.

I called a starter rebuilder and he states he can clean it up and revive it for $30.

Trying to get the family on the water for the fourth of July. Wish me luck!

no way. inside of motor is not painted. if you want it to work for more than a few weeks then you're going to have to deal with the rust. not possible for $30. ask the starter guy if he is going to fix the rust. If not then save your money up for either a real repair or a new motor.

 

[Litetwin4]

Re: OMC 120HP - Select Trim Problems

I talked to the starter guy this morning and he confirmed the following;

He will install a new end cap which is identical to the original one which includes new brushes. He checked the commutator and motor windings and confirmed they are ok. He said he will clean the entire assembly including the rust off of the unpainted parts.

He told me the motor will fine after he completes the repairs but of course he will not provide a guarantee. This price increased from $30 to $65 because of the cap.

I will let you know how it turns out. I am keeping my finger crossed.

The previous owner of the boat told me the trim motor replaced in 2003 so it is not that old. He did not keep the bilge pumped out so I am sure the constant presence of moisture caused it to freeze up.

 

[Litetwin4]

Re: OMC 120HP - Select Trim Problems

I picked up my trim motor this afternoon which costs $60 total.

The starter guy removed the rust off the rotor and internal parts. He also replaced the end cap which included the brush set identical to the original.
The motor is rebuilt and completely clean in and out.

I installed on the boat tonight and it works perfectly. The trim moves the motor up and down quickly and smoothly without any problems.

The starter guy told me the motor has no problems now and will last a long time.

Hooray!.... I did not have to spend $400 bucks for a new pump.