sterndrive will raise but will not lower

[1977 SILVERLINE]

My 1977 mc1 drive has lowered and raised all summer long. It was starting to freeze so I left the sterndrive down to let the water run out. I raised the unit up and hauled it out to my work to winterize it. My work is only 3 miles so I did not install the transom saver rod. When I arrived the drive could not be lowered unless I cracked a line and let some oil out. I will raise fine and the pump is pumping oil in when I use the button. I am leaning tword the cylinders have a problem, they are not stuck because I can lower it by loosining the line. Just wondering if anyone has seen this situation before, it worked fine all summer long until now. Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: sterndrive will raise but will not lower

If the pump is running and the drive is not going down, it may be a valve in the pump. If it happens again, have someone bounce on the drive while the button is pushed down. If that works, next time you put the drive up, just hit the down button for a second to relieve the high pressure off the up side.

 

[Bondo]

Re: sterndrive will raise but will not lower

My 1977 mc1 drive has lowered and raised all summer long. It was starting to freeze so I left the sterndrive down to let the water run out. I raised the unit up and hauled it out to my work to winterize it. My work is only 3 miles so I did not install the transom saver rod. When I arrived the drive could not be lowered unless I cracked a line and let some oil out. I will raise fine and the pump is pumping oil in when I use the button. I am leaning tword the cylinders have a problem, they are not stuck because I can lower it by loosining the line. Just wondering if anyone has seen this situation before, it worked fine all summer long until now. Thanks

Ayuh,... Is the controller in reverse,..??

Check the reverse lock valve to be sure it's open...

I once blew the side out of a cylinder because that valve stuck...