Trim solenoids

mjfink

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 9, 2011
Messages
136
I'm having a problem with my tilt/trim on a Alpha outdrive. Went digging in the motor today looking for the solenoids, but couldn't find what I expected.

Here's what my assembly looks like:

http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/attachments/userpics/2833/doubletrouble-883-100_8623.JPG

Where are the solenoids and how do I change them? Do I remove the "bar" that says "Screw is connected to battery positive" to get at them? It looks like they are under there, but, before I start tearing in, I want to make sure that's the right area. And, if they solenoids are under there, are they replaceable (or do I need a whole new assembly)?

My symptom, BTW, is a "click" most of the time when I try to trim the motor. Sometimes it works fine. Sometimes no click at all. And most of the time, just a click (both up and down) and no activation of the motor. When the motor does activate, it seems to work perfectly; so I'm suspecting an issue with the solenoids (but, if this is wrong, please point me in another direction).

If anyone has directions (or, even better, pictures) for changing these solenoids out, I'd really appreciate it. If not, just a "you're looking in the right spot" would be helpful.

Finally, the screw is positive? I'm assuming that means, make sure you don't ground out that connection when you're working on it? I'm going to disconnect the batteries anyway when I'm back there, but I want to be certain that there's nothing else that little message is trying to tell me.

Thanks!
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Trim solenoids

In your picture there is a black plastic vertical strip with the words "Warning Screw is connected to battery positive". The solenoids are under that black strip.
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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71,418
Re: Trim solenoids

so I'm suspecting an issue with the solenoids (but, if this is wrong, please point me in another direction).

Ayuh,... Before ya just go replacin' stuff,...
Remove, sand, clean, 'n reinstall ALL of the electrical connections...
Includin' the Grounds,...

Chances are, it's just abit of corrosion somewhere...
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Trim solenoids

Ayuh,... Before ya just go replacin' stuff,...
Remove, sand, clean, 'n reinstall ALL of the electrical connections...
Includin' the Grounds,...

Chances are, it's just abit of corrosion somewhere...

Agreed, but if it's still playing up, then start using a multimeter in conjunction with the FACTORY service manual wiring diagrams. Don't just throw parts at it in the hope that it will fix the problem. If you really want to do that, just buy a complete new unit, it will end up cheaper!
 

Oshkosh1

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Jun 8, 2009
Messages
968
Re: Trim solenoids

Also...when you re-assemble everything make sure to use some di-electric grease to keep the corrosion away...especially since you will have burnished the original finish. No sense doing all that work today, only to have to do it again in a season or two.
 

Bondo

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Messages
71,418
Re: Trim solenoids

Also...when you re-assemble everything make sure to use some di-electric grease to keep the corrosion away...especially since you will have burnished the original finish. No sense doing all that work today, only to have to do it again in a season or two.

Ayuh,... I use axle grease... ;)
 

mjfink

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 9, 2011
Messages
136
Re: Trim solenoids

Ayuh,... I use axle grease... ;)

Thanks for the tips, I'll take it apart and start cleaning up the contacts. I'll also grease the contacts when I put them back in. I was just going to replace the relays because they are cheap, but if I can salvage the ones I have, why spend the money at all.
 

egldvrbags

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Sep 8, 2007
Messages
105
Re: Trim solenoids

Thanks for the tips, I'll take it apart and start cleaning up the contacts. I'll also grease the contacts when I put them back in. I was just going to replace the relays because they are cheap, but if I can salvage the ones I have, why spend the money at all.

I just went thru a similar thing. There is a troubleshooting section in the Merc manual that will help troubleshoot (eg, trim up solenoid clicks but trim out works fine). If you find you need a new solenoid, I bought mine at NAPA....a Sierra part, about $20.

When you take that cover off, there is a bar that supplies the positive from the battery to each solenoid. That's why it's covered.

Mine was specific to one direction and the troubleshooting guide pointed to a bad solenoid, which was right on.

Yours sounds like what others are saying, a loose/corroded wire(s).
 
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