power trim problems

[chuckcarpenter]

We have recently purchased a pontoon boat that has a 1991 Mercury motor with power trim. The trim is very slow up and down and has a jerky motion to it. The marina says that it needs to be replaced completely ..no parts are available for this anymore and that it will cost about $1000. Do you concur, or is there something else we can do? Thanks..Chuck

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: power trim problems

Got a couple of ideas for you.<br />Power trim should work slow for the first part of comming up.Then it should go into a faster mode,as it tilts up.Same thing going down.Fast then slower.<br />Generally a 'jerking' motion means your tilt tube needs lube.This is the tube your steering cable probably goes thru,and the motor pivots up and down on it.Or the nuts on each side of it are too tight.<br />Somewhere Merc had supply problems,and now replacement sometimes means a complete unit ($1000.00).<br />There is a company (CMC, I think) that makes a unit that bolts to your boat,and your motor bolts to it.It tilts your motor up and down,but I'm not sure about trim.If no trim,the motor will drop down under power.<br /><br />DHP

 

[chuckcarpenter]

Re: power trim problems

Originally posted by DHPMARINE:<br /> Got a couple of ideas for you.<br />Power trim should work slow for the first part of comming up.Then it should go into a faster mode,as it tilts up.Same thing going down.Fast then slower.<br />Generally a 'jerking' motion means your tilt tube needs lube.This is the tube your steering cable probably goes thru,and the motor pivots up and down on it.Or the nuts on each side of it are too tight.<br />Somewhere Merc had supply problems,and now replacement sometimes means a complete unit ($1000.00).<br />There is a company (CMC, I think) that makes a unit that bolts to your boat,and your motor bolts to it.It tilts your motor up and down,but I'm not sure about trim.If no trim,the motor will drop down under power.<br /><br />DHP

 

[chuckcarpenter]

Re: power trim problems

Thanks ..I'll try that.

 

[jaybirdtx]

Re: power trim problems

Make sure the fluid level is good and is not milky(water in it). Check this in the full up position. If these are OK the pump or motor are getting weak and need replaced or overhauled. RAPAIR and ARCO are excellent aftermarket suppliers for these. And are cheaper than getting a unit overhauled. Approx. $300-$500.