OMC Tilt Issue

[Snivley]

My Tilt motor seems to have gotten a mind of its own. I just got it back from the shop, ran it for the day and when putting it back on the trailer the darn thing would not raise up. I removed the bolts on the quadrant gear to lift it manually and trailer it home. I first made sure the battery was fully charged. Then pulled the quadrant gear off completely. The tilt motor turns freely without the quadrant gear on. I reinstalled it with the outdrive up hoping it had just bound up in the down position. It worked to lower the unit, but going back up I get nothing. I can hear it try, a few clicks, but no movement. I am perplexed because without weight it seems to work fine. I have seen a number of posts on tilts, but none say anything about it running freely, and working on the downward but not up. My first thoughts are either the motor is done and it's time for a new one, or there is an issue in the clutch pack. Anyone have any experience with this sort of issue? I am certain I can fix whatever the issue is, but don't want to start undoing what does not need fixing unnecessarily. It's a 1969 Evinrude Explorer with a 1972 Buick 155hp motor so the tilt is not trimmable. One spot fits all on this one.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: OMC Tilt Issue

There are torque tests specified in the manual. If the motor does not meet those, it is toast. I am not sure about the configuration of your early outdrive but those motors are prone to getting water and oil in them and that will kill the torque. Have you taken the motor apart to inspect it? It has brushes and a commutator that could need attention. But I have heard that saturating the armature windings with oil will render them kaput. Apparently you cannot clean of the oil and have them return to normal.

Also there are electrical considerations. Motors will often work with no load on them then stall out, from weak connections, when loaded up.

 

[Snivley]

Re: OMC Tilt Issue

Thanks Boomyal. I have not yet pulled the motor to test it. I suspect the motor is toast based on its age. I will be pulling it this week to see what it looks likes. I checked all my electrical connections and they all seemed sound.

 

[southkogs]

Re: OMC Tilt Issue

... you might be able to have the motor rebuilt. I was able to do so, and it was a LOT cheaper than buying a new one.