Tilt goes up but does not go down

ccolclough

Recruit
Joined
Apr 14, 2008
Messages
3
I have a 1986 Force 125. I cannot get the tilt to go back down. It sounds as as if it is going down but it does not move. I purchesed 2 relays but cannot see were they go. I read that this is probably the issue but for the life me I cannot find them on the motor anywhere. Please help
 

maxum247

Lieutenant
Joined
Sep 18, 2007
Messages
1,363
Re: Tilt goes up but does not go down

Remove the engine cover and look on the port side in front of the starter solenoid, they are mounted in the cowling side by side on my 89 125 Force.
 

paul88

Cadet
Joined
Jun 6, 2008
Messages
28
Re: Tilt goes up but does not go down

I don't know that a relay is the problem here. If the motor is operating when you switch to go down, and it is not going any higher, then you can pretty much assume your relay is working. I'd start with the valve system in the tilt/trim. Actually, I'd start with a repair manual (Clymers). They have lots of steps on diagnosing and fixing these problems. My guess is a stuck check valve, but its just that, a guess.
 

ccolclough

Recruit
Joined
Apr 14, 2008
Messages
3
Re: Tilt goes up but does not go down

Maxum247- thanks for the info- just so I have this right. I should look on the left side of the engine next to the silinoid, there should be a cover. Under it, I should see 2 relays?
 

fab9racing

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
42
Re: Tilt goes up but does not go down

if you want to just check the motor and the hydraulics, just unplug the motor there is 2 wires coming off the motor they plug into a harness apply 12v to these wires the motor should pump one way then reverse them and it should go the other way most wires are green, and black
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Tilt goes up but does not go down

Sometimes at full tilt travel, these systems jam--I don't know why. But first, check to see that the oil in the reservoir is up to the fill hole. Too little oil (Assuming the motor is running) will foam and then the system will not work.

If the motor is running and the oil is full, and the system is jammed, sometimes you can push real hard on the engine hood and get it to move a bit. If you can get the engine to untilt about an inch or so it will then function normally for a while. Just don't go to full travel on the tilt cylinder. On dry land, you can grab the lower unit and push down real hard. BUT----there is such a high hydraulic advantage that you also risk blowing off the pentagon shaped trim cylinder head.---Voice of experience here!
 

maxum247

Lieutenant
Joined
Sep 18, 2007
Messages
1,363
Re: Tilt goes up but does not go down

Sorry I didn't get back to you yesterday, my internet was out for awhile!
On my 89 there in the open, no cover, not fimiliar with the 86 but thought they might be in that general area!
 

anelson1995

Cadet
Joined
Sep 7, 2007
Messages
8
Re: Tilt goes up but does not go down

My up relay went bad on me this year and I had to switch the wiring harnesses on the relays and that gave me up but no down. At least I could get it out of the water and trailer it home until I got the replacement relay. Replaced both of them for a fresh start and kept the one good one for a spare. Also, can't remember if you mentioned or not, but if it goes up and you can't get it down, does the motor still run in the up and down?
 
Top