Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

[rmurray]

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

I am having the same issue. There are tons of threads on here about this issue and the suggestion is always to get someone to stand on the drive to get it down. What I'm having a hard time finding is, what then? I'd like to fix the issue. I've read suggestions to buy the SEI rams and simply replace them because repairing the existing rams is more expensive. However, I also see people talking about $17 repair kits or $44 repair kits. I can't seem to get any more info than that. Therefore, if I want to try my hand at repairing the "sticking" problem (I have no oil leaks), what options do I have and how much will it cost? I'll work on getting the cap off, but where do I go from there? Is it a simple seal replacement? If I can repair them for under $100, it definitely beats paying $240 for new rams. Please let me know what my options are. I store the outdrive down, but after a tow to the ramp, sometimes the outdrive gets stuck. Its an Alpha 1 Gen I. Thanks!

 

[rmurray]

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Ok, so I guess this post was moved into its own thread. I just revisited the Manual and I'm thinking I just need to buy new end cap seals (which I'm guessing comes as a kit), or I can take it apart and just clean it out. Is this a real PITA or is it a fairly straight forward operation? Thanks!

 

[alldodge]

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

The cylinders are not that hard to do, just takes some time. They can also be a real pain if they are corroided. Take your cylinders apart and see if there is anything that stands out that may indicate they should not be repaired. With this you can also determine what parts need replacing and then determine how much it will cost. The link below is a fairly good place to start for the older parts, but look around and decide for your self.

MerCstuff's Parts Department

 

[rmurray]

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Thanks AD. I think I'll do just that. I have a local Merc dealer that I can get parts from. The boat has been in salt probably 5%-10% of the time, but always a good flushing/washing afterwards. You make me feel a little more comfortable tearing into it. I suppose if I get into serious trouble, SEI is probably the worst case scenario, which still isn't too bad. Thanks again!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

I am having the same issue. There are tons of threads on here about this issue and the suggestion is always to get someone to stand on the drive to get it down. What I'm having a hard time finding is, what then? I'd like to fix the issue.

Ayuh,... If there's a Corrosion issue in the end caps, it's gotta be dealt with,.....

Otherwise, simply tappin' the Down button a couple of times, after it's been run Up, eliminates the issue, completely,.....

Leavin' the pump in full over-load is hard on the valvin',...

 

[achris]

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

I've tried a few times in the past to 'repair' the end caps. Pulled them apart and clean them up with new seals, 'O' rings and scraper. Doesn't last very long. Easiest 'permanent' fix it to put new end caps in...

There are 2 different sizes for the rams on an Alpha One. One is 1.89" OD, the other is 2.081" OD... Find out which one you have, order the right parts. (there should be a casting number on the ram. Post that number here I should be able to work out which end cap you need)

Chris....

 

[rmurray]

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Leavin' the pump in full over-load is hard on the valvin',...

Bond-o, not sure what you mean here. The reason I want to try and fix the problem is because it has happened more than once lately. I've always been able to get it to trim down eventually, but I figured it was an issue that needed attention (as you mentioned). I usually try to trailer it with the outdrive slightly lower than full out. That way, I've been able to avoid the problem at the ramp. I just expect that one day it won't budge.

The Rams are: 14034 & 14035. I believe they are the larger of the two sizes. I see end caps on ebay for $60 each. I would expect the seals to be damaged before the end caps, but what do I know....

 

[achris]

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

The way the end caps are damaged it that the seal leaks and the water sits in between the 'O' rings and the inside of the cap starts to corrode. That causes the cap to swell and garb the piston rod...

The casting number would suggest the smaller of the two. Might be a good time to measure them...

Chris....

 

[rmurray]

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Re: Outdrive will not Tilt/Trim down

Thanks Chris. I know the part numbers are correct, so if they are the smaller ones, then I'm sure you are right. I'll be taking the boat out this weekend, so I won't mess with the cylinders until after the trip. I'll try and pull the end caps and see how they look. If they look bad, I'll replace them. Otherwise, I'll inspect the seals and see what needs replacing. If I put it all back together and I have the same problem down the road, I'll look at replacing them. Thanks for everyone's input. I am a lot less worried about pulling the cylinders apart.