VP Tilt Trim switch problem

[borz170]

I was just wondering if anyone has had any problems with a Volvo Penta tilt trim switch on the shift lever. I have a 2007 Larson 180 Sport with a 3.0 VP. So far I have had two switches put in my boat which i purchased last year new. I have less than 100 hrs on it. When I first bought the boat, the tilt switch was sticking in botht he up and down position. The dealer told me that the switch had to be replaced, but in order to do so, they had to replace all three wires that go from teh switch back to the tilt motor. They fixed it and it was fine for a while. We were able to use the boat due to an unusual spell of warm weather in NE fl, and i noticed that the switch is sticking again. I decided to take it apart to check on it. I found a micro-switch that was activated by a rocking lever(thumb switch) for a lack of better terms. I cleaned the switch and put it back together, same sticking.

My friend has the same boat with the Mercruiser. Both boats are identical, except for the VP vs Merc. His tilt switch is completely fine after the same amount of time and hrs.

After examining both switches it seems like VP is the inferrior product. The boat will be going back to the dealer soon for the third switch. I can't believe that I am the only person with this problem. If you have had this issue or know someone who has, please let me know. It seems like VP should have recalled the switch. Any other stories about problems people have had with VP outdrives/powerplants of this "new" era would be greatly appreciated.

Happy Holidays!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: VP Tilt Trim switch problem

After examining both switches it seems like VP is the inferrior product. The boat will be going back to the dealer soon for the third switch. I can't believe that I am the only person with this problem. If you have had this issue or know someone who has, please let me know. It seems like VP should have recalled the switch. Any other stories about problems people have had with VP outdrives/powerplants of this "new" era would be greatly appreciated.

Ayuh,....

If you're lookin' for a Class Action Lawsuit to join,...

I don't think you're going to find it here.....

What I've seen,... You're in a small club....

You might try searching the Electrical Forum for more background Info,...
After All,... This really isn't motor or drive issues....

 

[borz170]

Re: VP Tilt Trim switch problem

No, I'm not looking for a class action lawsuit. I just would like to know if people are having the same problems that I am. So far Larson and Volvo have been standing behind their products. It is a bit frustrating to have anyproblems with a brand new boat though.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: VP Tilt Trim switch problem

The problem may lie in the control lever itself, isn't there just a molded in bed where the rocker switch is housed, and it just lays in there as you assemble the two halves of the housing together, take it back apart and check for excess flashing or rough edge hanging it up. May not be the switch at all.

 

[Don S]

Re: VP Tilt Trim switch problem

All the newer Volvo throttle and shift controls are standard Teleflex controls with Volvo stickers and molded plugs on them. Not sure why your dealer replaced the harness going back to the trim pump. there is a plug on the control that connectos to the harness.
There aren't any Volvo service bulletins on the trim buttons, so it's not a common problem, and I sure haven't seen any problems with them.

 

[borz170]

Re: VP Tilt Trim switch problem

nks for the replies. I took the switch apart and found out the source of the problem. Inside the switch were 3 moving parts: a spring, a small plastic piece that is compressed by the spring and a rocking brass contact. Everything was out of place. The brass contact was in sideways; I can't believe the switch worked at all. With a little patients and a bunch of free time, I was able to put it all back together. The switch works better now than it has in the 100 hrs I have put on the boat. There was a bit of gren corrosion inside the switch, I was able to clean it well and then I used a bit of dielectric contact greese(but not so much to gum things up). Hopefully it will work well for a while, but if not I have a 5 year warranty.

I run this boat 99% of the time in salt water. The outdrive has corrosion on it and it has since I bought it. In fact, all of the VP drives in the dealers lot had at least a start of corrosion. The dealer told me to take it up with the warranty department, and I was stupid enough to listen. Thankfully both Larson and Volvo have stood behind their products.

Has anyone else had the same corrosion problems with VP drives? I rinse very thoroughly after each use and use mist it WD-40 the next day when it is dry. Does anyone have any other recomendations or comments? Also, I use the engine flush port when I flush on the trailer. I was told by another VP owner not to do this; rather that I should use ears around the drive like the old days. He said this is the only way to be sure the whole drive gets flushed. Thoughts?