Outdrive problem

[LuckyPenny]

I have a 1977 Alfa 1 and running into a new problem. The Trim/Tilt system. I have recently replaced the Rams and the other day I raised the lower unit into the up position. The boat is kept in the water, and I did not notice any oil on the water nor is the oil level in the pump assembly lower, yet the leg will slowly drift down.<br />My question. does anyone have a diagram of the valve assembly? Also what would cause this. I can not believe that both rams failed at the same time. I am looking for a common problem.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Outdrive problem

Most mercruiser trim units have a "check valve in them to stop the fluid movement inside the unit when not in use. If the drive is lowering by itself that is usually the cause. As for fixing it, trim pumps a finicky. If you don't know what you are doing you may want to take it somewhere. The parts aren't cheep either.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive problem

And,.....<br />Why would you park the boat in the water, with the drive Up ????<br /><br />BTW, Alpha 1s were introduced in 1983....... Yours must be a Pre-Alpha......<br /><br />f_in's Right,.... There's 3 check valves,... 1 in each ram,+ 1 in the pump......<br /><br />The pumps aren't consided "Serviceable",..... That's Why you can't find any Parts........

 

[vipzach]

Re: Outdrive problem

Pull the boat out of the water and bleed the lines again, maybe you just have too much air in them. It is a simple thing to check before messing with the valves. <br />Also, I would suggest not leaving the drive up.

 

[LuckyPenny]

Re: Outdrive problem

Can anyone point me in the direction to locate a valve body for the tilt/trim.<br /><br />I checked the outdrive. There is a nice big label that says "ALFA" across the back of the unit. The boat and engine maybe 1977, but since it is a Alfa it has to be a replacement. Also, where can I find a reverse lock?

 

[LuckyPenny]

Re: Outdrive problem

Can anyone point me in the direction to locate a valve body for the tilt/trim.<br /><br />I checked the outdrive. There is a nice big label that says "ALFA" across the back of the unit. The boat and engine maybe 1977, but since it is a Alfa it has to be a replacement. Also, where can I find a reverse lock?

 

[achris]

Re: Outdrive problem

I checked the outdrive. There is a nice big label that says "ALFA" across the back of the unit.

Probably not. If it has words across it, they'll be "ALPHA ONE"<br /><br />No reverse lock on these units, it's 'locked down' in the pump.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive problem

Can anyone point me in the direction to locate a valve body for the tilt/trim. Also, where can I find a reverse lock?

Your outdrive may have been updated to an Alpha 1,.........<br />But,.. It appears that the rest of your driveline is Still Model 1........<br /><br />Mod.1 parts, like those you seek, can be found at ebay.......Used...... <br />New parts are NLA......<br /><br />Or,.... Update the Trim/Tilt with a New trimpump........

 

[vipzach]

Re: Outdrive problem

Not to be a big smart arse, but does it really say "ALFA", or does it say "Alpha"?

 

[FENIXX3435]

Re: Outdrive problem

I'm having trouble also. Could someone explain how to bleed the lines? Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive problem

Could someone explain how to bleed the lines?

Ayuh,............<br />Cycle it a Half-Dozen Times....... As Per the Book...........<br /><br />Or, If you don't mind the Mess,....<br />Power-up the pump,+ Crack the fittings Loose......

 

[achris]

Re: Outdrive problem

In the later manual there is a big long screed about disconnecting the aft end of the rams and running the pump with the rams pointing up, then the rams pointing down, then do it again standing on one leg.......<br /><br />I like Bondo's method the best! Run the pump until you don't hear air anymore. Too easy!<br /><br />Chris.........

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Outdrive problem

Kind of like "get whatever is in the rams" into the pump/resevoir. "the air will bleed out".

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive problem

Ayuh,..........<br /><br />I Think it's called a "Self Purging System"......................

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Outdrive problem

luckypenny<br /> try shoreflyte marine in camden NC. about 5 miles from the big E city. they have a few good trim units. if your unit is old enough to have the pump assy with the reverse lock knob most factory parts are NLA.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Outdrive problem

Bondo: "Why would you park the boat in the water, with the drive Up ????"<br /><br />vipzach: "Also, I would suggest not leaving the drive up."<br /><br />Why not? To relieve pressure on the trim/ tilt system? I've got a boathouse with lift, had been in the habit of leaving the drive up (to 'drain' it of water, and cause I could leave it lower while keeping the drive out of the water so as to keep it cleaner). Sounds like I should keep it in the down position & just raise the lift as high as necessary?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive problem

1) It leaves a "Set" in the bellows,+ Stresses them Unnecessarily.......<br /><br />2) Leaving it in or near the Down position makes it Much Harder for Muskrats,+ other Vermin to get to the Bellows,+ Chewing a Hole in it.......<br /><br />3) In Your Case,.. The "Bullet" possibly/probably Isn't Draining.......If the Tiny weephole gets Plugged, there's a Possible Freeze Issue at times.... And,.. The drive Just Drains Better in the Vertical position......<br /><br />4) If left in the Down spot, there's Never a chance of Starting it,+ Blowing a U-joint.....<br /><br />I'm Sure I could think of More Reasons,.... But I guess You'll get My Drift.............