Tilt & Trim problems

[GA Paramedic]

Please forgive me but I am not well versed in hydrolics and things of that sort. I have a tilt/trim lifting a '73 115 merc. Here lately my tilt/trim has been noticibly weaker and weaker, slower and slower. yesterday, on the ramp while loading up, it would still sound like it was working but the motor was going no where. I had to swim to behind the boat and lift the motor up myself and place the transom saver on with a friend manually. Is it possible that the fluid level is low or something? If so, what kind of fluid do you put in it and where? I would hate to think that my pump is bad.

 

[MortenH]

Re: Tilt & Trim problems

This could be low fluid level or a bad pump. Check the fluid - use Dextron III automatic transmission fluid. (assuming you have the external trim unit, that is the trim motor is outside the boat, on the engine) Read the manual carefully to see if the system is pressurised with the engine in the up or the engine in the down position!! If the reservoir is full, you will have to rebuild the pump.<br /><br />-M-

 

[GA Paramedic]

Re: Tilt & Trim problems

The pump is mounted against the storage box where the battery is held and right beside the built-in gas tank. There are 4 hydrolic hoses running to and from the pump from 2 cylinders mounted on the transom. Where would I check the fluid levels at? I did not recieve a manual for the boat or pump.

 

[GA Paramedic]

Re: Tilt & Trim problems

Ok. I unbolted my pump from the boat and here is a pic of it.<br />

<br />I found a loose hose on the bottom where fluid has been leaking out. It looked milky as oil would coming from a lower unit with a bad seal. I fixed the connection and continued my investigation. I located a flathead screw labeled "Fill". I checked te fluid with a plastic zip tie and it was about half full. The fluid looked clear unlike what I saw that has leaked out. There is a red sticker on the upper part that states "This is a high pressure pump. Use only on Merc 1400 and Merc 1500." Then there is a black metal place on the bottom part that states "Reverse Lock Operation- To release, turn knob full to right. To engage, turn knob full to left. Caution. Do not use boat unless lock is engaged. Use only M.S. grade S.A.E. 20W oil. See instruction manual." The only numbers that I could find on the unit was "64461A1" that was painted on the back side of the upper part. Can't seem to find anything on this as a model or serial number.<br /><br />Question #1 Is the fluid in the unit ok as long as it looked good on the stick?<br />Question #2 Is the oil that is called for on the black metal plate the same as Dextron III automatic transmission fluid as listed by Norway?<br />Question #3 Is there anyway that I can locate a manual for this unit?<br /><br />Anything else that I need to check or do to this device? I am so hoping that after I get the right fluid in it, it will continue to work for me.<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your help in this lenghty issue. I am sure it is a long question to probably a simple issue for you guys.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Tilt & Trim problems

The problem with some of those older trims is that everyone put anything in them at one time or another. Cod knows what's in it already.<br /><br />Any hydraulic fluid will work,(ATF is OK) check the level with motor trimmed down. <br /><br />A good service manual for the outboard outta cover the trim too.<br /><br />-W

 

[GA Paramedic]

Re: Tilt & Trim problems

Thanks clams... I put some fluid in it and it works like a champ. I have a manual in the mail to me on my outboard now.