Power trim fluid

Plainsman

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 2, 2006
Messages
4,062
My manual says to use 20w oil for the power trim and it is also on the power trim motor itself, but I have read that tranny fluid is used as well as the Mercury QuickSilver power trim should be used.

This may sound stupid, but which one do I use?
 

timmathis

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
1,295
Re: Power trim fluid

Use what you wish to use. It don't really mater. All will work.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,785
Re: Power trim fluid

My Merc ('02 90 hp) Service Manual states that the Q fluid or "any" ATF will work. Doesn't mention motor oil as a substitute.

Mark
 

Barnacle_Bill

Admiral
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
6,469
Re: Power trim fluid

My factory manual calls for 30W oil so thats what I use. Why take a chance with ATF?
 

north40

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 13, 2004
Messages
331
Re: Power trim fluid

If your manual says 20W oil that's what you should use. ATF will work fine.8)
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,785
Re: Power trim fluid

Not that it matters; looks like any fluid will work. Seems we are dealing with different yearmodel/hp Merc engines and different pumps since we have quotes from different service manuals recommending different fluids.

Course if you go with the Q fluid you know it'll work cause it says on the bottle it's made for Merc pumps; it doesn't say it's made for specific Merc pumps.

Why don't you dip in the sump and pull some out. If it's red you know what it is and if it's not you know what it is.

Mark
 

Plainsman

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 2, 2006
Messages
4,062
Re: Power trim fluid

If it's red it's automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
 

spike_michael

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 19, 2006
Messages
35
Re: Power trim fluid

After 1985 the system specified auto transmission fluid.

if it is red it is tranny fluid

if it is gold it is motor oil...

You can use multi-viscosity oil (20-50, 10-40, 10-30) if you run in cool temps your hydraulics will appreciate it. SAE 30 is for use in the tropics...

Michael
 
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