Tilt and trim trouble

87merc150

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
18
The tilt and trim on my motor works sometimes and then stops. I have to hit the motor with a pair of plyers to get it going again. I am wondering if there is a way to rebuild the motor or do I need to buy a new one. How difficult is it. Thanks
 

87merc150

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Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
18
Re: Tilt and trim trouble

Can you rebuild a tilt and trim motor or do I just need to buy a new one. Do I need any special tools to do it. Thanks
 

aussieflash

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Feb 5, 2011
Messages
1,004
Re: Tilt and trim trouble

What model you got,if on 87 merc.probably same as mine.Square or Round motor.you can find new replacement online.Post pic of whole unit.
 

RRitt

Captain
Joined
Mar 30, 2006
Messages
3,319
Re: Tilt and trim trouble

it depends upon model and rust.
Parts are not available for eaton motors and they should be replaced with newer design
Parts for oildyne are strictly controlled. They are usually not worth the cost of repairing due to insane parts pricing.

If you have an oildyne or eaton motor then you can find replacement on iboats, ebay, amazon, googleshop for $150-$300. If it is under $200 new then it is chinese and won't last nearly as long as an OEM, ARCO, SiERRA. The original motor by parkerhannafin (oildyne) is the highest quality of any brand and typically lasts 15-20 years if properly installed.

Prestolite motors can be rebuilt for around $100 if there is no rust. A properly rebuilt prestolite is of equal or better quality to a new Arco or Sierra. If you can rebuild your old prestolite for same cost as new chinese and can wait then it is your best value for sure. If a prestolite has any TWO out of three conditions then the cost of rebuild may be too much (get an estimate first and make sure the estimate includes all items of a proper rebuild):
1) the upper bearing or brush card has rust (both are part of a $40 brush cover)
2) the armature has rust pits where it contacts either upper or lower bearing
3) the field frame has broken magnets or needs the windings removed & re-taped*
*some magnet breaks are repairable

difficulty varies by model. 2w are usually easier than 3w. the key tricks are to assemble armature into brush cap and then lower frame onto it whenever possible. if wiring prevents frame from being lowered into place then use unwaxed dental floss to tie back brushes.
NEVER, ever, EVER reuse an old gasket or seal. If you can't get the new seal then take the motor to a professional. the seal is the most important part to get right for durability.
 

87merc150

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Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
18
Re: Tilt and trim trouble

It is square on top about the first four inches and the bottom is round about another four inches. I don't know how to post pics yet. It looks like it has pressured lines coming into it. Can I just take those off without a ton of oil squirting out or how do I drain it first.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,141
Re: Tilt and trim trouble

That sounds like the PTT motor that you will end up buying the motor and top of the resevoir, if you can find one. Remove the two long thin bolts (maybe screws) from the top of the motor. That will release the motor. Check the brushes and the overload. The overload is a set of points neear the brushes. Sometimes they get dirty and interrupt current flow. You may be able to take just the motor into a shop for rebuild.
 

RRitt

Captain
Joined
Mar 30, 2006
Messages
3,319
Re: Tilt and trim trouble

Hmm ...
is this the motor?
http://www.boats.net/parts/search/M...TRIM PUMP(EATON RECTANGULAR MOTOR)/parts.html

fitted onto this system?
http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Merc/Mercury/1987/1150767/POWER TRIM COMPONENTS/parts.html

I know I have seen people selling the entire motor & pump assembly for that system somewhere ... for cheap too. I'm thinking like $200. Maybe it was $180. Maybe it was $280. My memory is so bad. But anyway, that same base system shipped with two different motors. The round body can be rebuilt for reasonable $$ using open market parts. The square field frame usually is not worth repairing. Parts needed to do a proper rebuild on square body will cost more than a new motor.
 

87merc150

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
18
Re: Tilt and trim trouble

Yes RRITT that does look like the motor. Can I just take it out or are those lines pressurized and I need to do something first like drain it. Thanks
 

aussieflash

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
1,004
Re: Tilt and trim trouble

2 ways of doing it,one way for working motor(able to tilt up) and one for inoperative motor.Either way you will need to depressurise the pump from fill screw port side and release screw starboard side.Obviously disconnect wiring first.Motor needs to in full up and locked,plus extra support via C clamp when taking transom bracket off.Let me know if it's still operating.
 

aussieflash

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
1,004
Re: Tilt and trim trouble

Mmmm, now I'm confused,I'll look at mine tomorrow.Maybe transom bracket can stay on.Same system as yours.
 

87merc150

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
18
Re: Tilt and trim trouble

I was able to get the tilt trim motor off and it looks like the brushes are worn all the way down to where they are barely making contact with the magnet. I guess thats what its called. Now im wondering if I just get the brush spring kit if my problem will be fixed. Or does anyone know where I can find a square motor like this.
 

RRitt

Captain
Joined
Mar 30, 2006
Messages
3,319
Re: Tilt and trim trouble

your seals need to be perfect and the innards need to be spotless from rust. Weigh your options carefully before undertaking repairs on a mercury trim motor. Generally speaking Mercury fights to protect parts profit, some critical parts are only available from mercury, and they come in gold plated bags. By the time you buy brushes, springs, through bolts, and gaskets it is the same $$ as a new motor and you haven't even done anything yet. So check the details before diving in. There's no corner cutting on waterproof motors. A crummy fix will have crummy reliability.
 
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