Trim/Tilt Problems

[Old Yellower]

I have taken on the task of getting my late grandfathers boat up and running this summer. The engine is fine and everything however I cannot get the tilt and trim to go up or down. The only way to get it to move is by tapping the Tilt Motor. I have gotten the motor half way down and then it stopped. I"m not sure if I need to replace the motor or if the battery is not fully charged. There is a loud clicking noise so I know the solenoids are getting juice. The solenoid for the up wire has a lot of tap on it and looks older, however the down solenoids looks fairly new. Does anyone have any suggestions. I"m not a expert at boats but I'm trying to learn. Thanks for the help....

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Trim/Tilt Problems

I am no expert either, but I know the experts will have a hard time helping ya without knowing the year, model or type of outdrive ya got..

Since you said tapping on the motor makes it go.. I would say that's where the problem is.. Bearings are rusty or time for new brushes.. Take the thing off.. Take it to a starter repair shop.. Most of them repair trim motors too.

 

[Old Yellower]

Re: Trim/Tilt Problems

The motor is a 1977 OMC Stern Drive 190 HP. The trim motor that is on it is a Sierra 18-6754 Prestolite. I was thinking the trim motor needed rebuilt or replaced. I was hoping the battery wasn't charged fully and and that would solve the problem. I think I want to replace of the gear oil and see maybe if that helps before I start taking thing apart. What type of lube should I use and what is the best of way doing this. Or Can I do this?

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Trim/Tilt Problems

How is the gear oil going to make a difference in how the trim motor works?.. It's called a tilt motor in that ol girl I think.. Is it inside or outside the boat?

That old set up is almost as old as I am... There are a bunch of dudes on here still running that ol vintage stuff and know way more about them than I do..

 

[southkogs]

Re: Trim/Tilt Problems

Just dealt with this myself ... I have '72 and my went ka-put entirely:

If the battery isn't fully charged the tilt won't run properly. Down isn't usually a problem with a low battery, but it'll stop "upping" pretty quick. So, start by charging the battery for sure. I changed my solenoids anyway - mainly because they were easy and cheap. However, new solenoids didn't make any difference to mine whatsoever. Check the gear oil in the clutch pack on the side of the tilt gear (to the left of the drive when looking at the stern of the boat). I wouldn't take that apart as I hear it's a real booger to put back together without the right tools. If the oil is milky looking, then you've got a lube problem. That may or may not make a difference.

What I found for mine was having the tilt motor rebuilt. It's located on the other side of the intermediate housing from the clutchpack. I read some people say that it was easier to pull the transom boot back and get to it from outside the boat, but I found that it was just as "easy" from the inside (by "easy" I meant it probably wasn't any easier - still a "cast-iron sunovagun"). I pulled the rear seats and "dog house" off mine so I could reach all the way back in there. The motor comes off with two bolts. Those bolts actually hold the motor together, so be careful not to let anything fall where you can't get it. Also, watch the hammer coupling. When you pull the motor off, that coupling is the first thing in the assembly going back to the tilt. That part is a pain to find, and if it is usable you don't want to lose it.

I had my motor rebuilt for about $70 and after I reassembled it tilts just fine.

I hope it works out for you.