Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

sfestiva

Cadet
Joined
Jun 30, 2012
Messages
12
Guys,
WHile on trailer on boat ramp, lowered the trim/lower unit, turned on the motor (mercruiser 3.0) backed up, then noticed the outdrive is up. While in water couldnt get it down (using the trim button), so put her back on trailer and off back home.

Now while in garage, added oil to pump (was low) the trim pump runs when I press the down but the lower unit doesnt move.
Bled the hoses, still doesnt come down.

Hints?Ideas?
 

Fishermark

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 19, 2003
Messages
5,617
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

It may sound odd, but have someone, (a large friend preferably ;) ), stand on the outdrive while you press the down button. Jump up and down a little if necessary. See if that "unsticks" it.
 

Bondo

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Staff member
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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,110
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

Guys,
WHile on trailer on boat ramp, lowered the trim/lower unit, turned on the motor (mercruiser 3.0) backed up, then noticed the outdrive is up. While in water couldnt get it down (using the trim button), so put her back on trailer and off back home.

Now while in garage, added oil to pump (was low) the trim pump runs when I press the down but the lower unit doesnt move.
Bled the hoses, still doesnt come down.

Hints?Ideas?

Ayuh,.... When ya run it Up, ya know how it labors at the end,..??

Tap the Down button a couple times to relieve the over-load condition...
 

sfestiva

Cadet
Joined
Jun 30, 2012
Messages
12
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

Thank you guys for quick response!!

I tried to stand on the lower unit and give it a few jumps while my wife press the down button, but nothing happened :(

Why would the drive while on the trailer on the boat ramp after I lowered it and reversed the drive went up? Isnt supposed to lock down? After I put it back on the trailer I noticed the trim pump reservoir low, so filled it in but that didnt help get the drive down.

Do I need to unscrew the hydraulics (both up and down) for both rams and see if it goes down?
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

What year, what pump?
 

sfestiva

Cadet
Joined
Jun 30, 2012
Messages
12
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

Looks like it was replaced in 2010

I suspect this is oildyne?

photo 1 (6).jpgphoto 3.JPG
 

fat fanny

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Feb 9, 2006
Messages
1,935
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

Is the motor running while trying to lower it? More diagnostics are required on your part do you have a service manual? if not look in the stickies for the manual for your drive. It would also be a good idea to tell us what your working on year,make and model. Or you could call Jerry and ask him why theres a bunji cord wrapped around your trim pump!!!!
 
Last edited:

sfestiva

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Joined
Jun 30, 2012
Messages
12
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

lol at bungie cord... thats what I said when I saw it before I bought it back in august.

Anyways, the pump is working. I am pressing the down and the pump is running but sounds like it is straining. To me it looks like the rams both or either one is stuck?

How do I check the rams?
 

dingdongs

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 29, 2009
Messages
649
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

more than likely an air pocket has jammed the check valve.crack the pipes on the back of the drive to release a little pressure.get some one to trim down a little whilst you may be standing on drive.when it starts moving retighten pipework.go up and down a number of times and this should self bleed.keep an eye on the levels at all times.once your happy with the running the drive when your trimmed up would appreciate a nudge on the button down and this will always help the pressure side of pump.when bleeding make sure all is running smoothe as there should be no sticking at all.
 

Bondo

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Staff member
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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,110
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

lol at bungie cord... thats what I said when I saw it before I bought it back in august.

Anyways, the pump is working. I am pressing the down and the pump is running but sounds like it is straining. To me it looks like the rams both or either one is stuck?

How do I check the rams?

Ayuh,.... Pull the aft attachment pin, disconnect the oil lines, 'n you should be able to push, 'n pull the rams, in, 'n out...

If ya boat in Saltwater, they tend to corrode, 'n bind at the gland nut, against the ram...
 

26aftcab454

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
1,510
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

I had the same thing happen to me last month. The low pressure Reverse Lockout line had come loose. I just replaced the compresion seal at the fitting, filled with oil, and am back in buissness . pump.jpgpump2.jpg
 

sfestiva

Cadet
Joined
Jun 30, 2012
Messages
12
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

Update:

thanks all for tips, extremely helpful!!

I removed both trim cylinders, and there is no way they can move freely in and out. Even by using a hammer, I couldnt get them to slide in and out. Looks like I need new ones..Also noticed one of the high pressure lines is corroded at the end.

Are the SEI rams good?
 

fat fanny

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Feb 9, 2006
Messages
1,935
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

If the cylinders are disconnected from the system I would start working them to free them up and checking the input and output ports for blockage what do you have to loose!
 

sfestiva

Cadet
Joined
Jun 30, 2012
Messages
12
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

Update:

Got new SEI rams! Went ahead and installed, however the low pressure compression fitting on one of the rams is leaking at the fitting, tried to tighten but still drip.

Question, do I need to use loctite or other on the threads? if yes what kind?
 

dingdongs

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 29, 2009
Messages
649
Re: Trim problem, went up after launch now cant get it down

replace fitting and dont mess the new rams up with a faulty pipe.do not use loctite or any other product.
 
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