Power trim issue..

[Oshkosh1]

Here's the story...

I have an 85 Wellcraft with a two rocker switch, panel mounted trim/tilt setup.

So...

I could use the bottom rocker(trim) to lower the unit.
Using the bottom rocker to raise the unit did nothing so I just used the upper rocker(tilt) to raise the unit on demand.

I decided to check all of the connections on the backside to see if there were any bad/loose wiring. I went to lower the unit and it DID lower/raise...but then the internals of the button broke and it caused the unit to lower however the motor continued to run for the time it took me to get back to the battery and disconnect the power...about 10 seconds. Sure enough the little spring loaded "nubs" had came out of the plastic rocker assembly. I reassembled it but now it won't lower...only raise to the limit switch and tilt up with the upper rocker. When I go to lower it the solenoid only clicks.

Now, since the motor was running up to the point the power was cut, I'm guess the motor didn't "burn out" because there was no smoke or horrible sounds. The assembly was a little warm...but not hot, to the touch.

Is there anywhere I can get a new switch, or any ideas on how to fabricate another one?

thanks

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Power trim issue..

Simplistic answer, I'm sorry, but here it is:"Is there anywhere I can get a new switch, or any ideas on how to fabricate another one?"

You have 2 reasonably high current switches called "solenoids" to control Up and Down trim somewhere around your engine...maybe mounted on a bulkhead. May look just like the starting solenoid your engine has if it is of a Ford design. GM has the solenoid atop the starter and doesn't look like other (including after market) solenoids.

One turns the trim motor in one direction and pushes fluid out of the PT pump, thus raising the lower unit, and the other does just the opposite.

The common denominator is which way you send 12V power. A pair of 20 amp rated SPST spring loaded (momentarily on) toggle switches from Radio Shack (maybe $5 each) can solve your problem...probably 15 amp rating will do just fine...or a single SPDT (single pole double throw) spring loaded switch would work with 12v coming in on the common lead and each switched lead connecting to the control wire of the respective up or down solenoid control coil.

Tie one end of both switches to 12v (12V off your battery wherever convenient via a 20 amp fuse ...fusing the line just adds an extra measure of safety for about another $5...and 14 awg wire) and the other side of each switch to the "hot" side of the Up and Down trim relays respectively.

Let's define something. The trim relays are nothing more than moderately high current single pole/single throw switches that close upon being excited by 12v being applied to the control winding through the spst low current selector switches (that I mentioned)....ground is somewhere associated with this winding to complete the control circuit...it may be internally connected and accomplished through the mounting base or it may be a separate black wire off a solenoid terminal to a screw on the mounting bracket sort of thing or go off and tie to the engine block or whatever.

The "work" windings of the solenoids are large(r) wire with 12v on one side and the other side going to the out drive. On Merc OB's blue and green colors are used for the up and down control high current wires.

Matter of "arming" whichever you want for as long as you want. Hold the respective toggle on till you are happy with your trim and let it go. If you want to go the other way, toggle the other switch.

More questions, ask.

Mark

 

[79Merc80]

Re: Power trim issue..

For the best results, it's a good idea to post the year, make, model, and HP rating.