stringer trim problem

[shipwrecked shemp]

hi guys. first day as member and first post.total newby to boating so please bear with me.just got the boat. have a problem with my stringer drive. can't get it to go down. when i flip the switch solenoid just clicks. tried jumping solenoid and same result. i bought the seloc manual so i can trouble shoot later but just wondering if there is a way to lower the drive with this going on. just want to lower it to winterize and can play with it in the pole shed over winter. just don't want it to freeze in the up position. also it needs a new prop. edges are pretty dinged up. wondering if anyone could advise me on size and pitch to look for. it is an '85 sea raw with an omc 190hp and stringer drive. (was told by dealer this is not the factory combo. couldn't be a 190hp in an '85 but i have no clue. remember i'm a greenhorn.) any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

 

[searay1066]

Re: stringer trim problem

I have a stringer 800 and had the same issue.

You can try and loosen the three bolts holding the tilt drive piston (not sure if this is the correct name). Looking from behind the boat on the left you should see three bolts holding a triangle looking plate.

Lossen the bolts one turn each at a time and hit the tilt switch.

Once the drive moves you should be able to tighten the bolts.

(assumes you motor is OK)

 

[shipwrecked shemp]

Re: stringer trim problem

thanks. i'll give that a try. just wondering how that would get it to go down though if the switch isn't activating the motor. it's worth a shot though. forgot to mention the boat is 20ft for advice on the prop. not looking to go 100 mph. it will be used mainly for cruising and fishing. thanks for the advice.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: stringer trim problem

Look on the old prop you might find a part no. or size, usually stamped on outside between blades, or by the prop nut.

 

[wire2]

Re: stringer trim problem

There's a good chance that's a 14? x 21 prop. As mentioned, it will be cast in the hub, around the bronze prop nut.
If that is the size, I have a stainless one here, PM me.

Use a dc voltmeter to test between the black and green wires to the tilt motor when you push the button for down. If you have ~ 12 volts, something is seized, will need to come apart. If no voltage, problem in solenoid circuit. Could be solenoid itself, or corroded terminals.

 

[shipwrecked shemp]

Re: stringer trim problem

thanks. i'll check the prop for i.d. am going to trouble shoot the tilt system once it's in the shed but can i get the drive down manually somehow? thanks for the advice.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: stringer trim problem

to get the drive down, simply take the 3 bollts out that hold the quadrant gear on - and remove the gear.

 

[shipwrecked shemp]

Re: stringer trim problem

yup. now that i look at it that will definitely do the trick. thanks for the advice.

 

[cr2k]

Re: stringer trim problem

These tilt NOT TRIM assemblies are notorious for leaking. Water get in and pushes the oil in the tilt clutch cavity up in to the motor. This will soften the insulation on the windings and they can short out. Further intrusion of water will also corrode/rust the motor. You most likely need a new motor (expensive).

Get a diagram (available here in the adults only stickys) and see what makes it tick.

Very poor design, but once it is working regular maint can keep it working.
Drain and refill every few outings.