Tilt/Trim Issue

[Liberator 6]

All,
1987 Four Winns Liberator with new transom and 350 Magnum. Alpha 1 drive. Overall mint condition except it sat in storage for three years while I was overseas.

ISSUE #1 - The trim down works, but the up switch doesn't work. The trailer switch does work and raises the trim effectively. I disconnected the blue trim pump wire (blue = sky = up) and contacted the hot wire and got a positive response. This would indicate to me that the trim up solonoid is bad. The boat shop today told me that's not the case.

ISSUE #2 - the resevoir for the trim fluid is all busted up and not holding fluid right now. go2marine.com has a resevoir part number 18-6771 for $43, but again, the parts store said nope it won't fit and I need the $352 rebuild kit.

If anyone could shed light on this, however much, I'd be GREATLY appreciative. d

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

Those ignorant Bastards! They're right about the relay. It's the trim switch. Wouldn't that figure.

I'll have to defer to their opinion about the reservior. There are a few different units out there.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

Liberator, look here,

http://www.sterndrives.com/trim_switch_doesnt_work.html

 

[QC]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

Be careful, this can also be in the handle like I think Willie is saying . . . Same symptoms. I have had the up trim wire come loose inside the control twice on a 3000 unit.

 

[Liberator 6]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

Liberator, look here,

http://www.sterndrives.com/trim_switch_doesnt_work.html

How difficult is it to change these switches? I work on cars all the time but the concept of pulling the drive unsupervised for the first time scares me. Are there any REALLY good pictures/videos available? I am above average with car mechanics/home projects, but had one bad gear lash experience and am gun-shy. Does pulling the outdrive require relashing gears?

Rob

 

[wvit1001]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

Before you start taking apart the switch check the connections. Clean them all up and make sure they are tight. I've had mine corrode and stop working. There is a male and female connection that can loosen up, look just behind the handle.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

Liberator, The trim switches are mounted on the outside of the drive. Here is a link ( with some videos ) thats been very helpful to me.Hope it is to yuo as well
http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm

 

[Don S]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

Why don't you just check the trim yourself using a Mercruiser service manual instead of a bunch of "Try This" and "Try That"

Here is a link to the Merc service manual (Online) so you can save and print the pages and sections you want.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

Section 1C has a step by step troubleshooting section on the trim, as well as section 5.

For changing the trim limit switch and sender, here is a link to the instructions.

Installation Instructions

Now your reservoir. Is that the round one about 8 or 9 inches tall?

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

Pulling the drive really isn't hard... I wouldn't be afraid of it.

 

[Trent]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

If your trailor switch is working then your up solonoid is good.

The trailor switch just bypasses the trim limit on the drive. So your problem is back there. Kick the drive to the starboard and look up into the gimble area at the trim limit wires (its the Port switch). They are shot; Thats my bet. Very common. Either replace the trim limit switch and wires or bypass it.

To bypass I can give very simple instructions. The first drives put out years ago never had trim limit so its really no big deal. And its a pain to replace the trim limit switch cause you have to buy the kit and replace both sides (limit and sender).

 

[Liberator 6]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

Trent,
If you could tell me a simple bypass that would be GREAT.
Don,
Couldn't get into the pdf attachment, only saw the first page to troubleshoot. HOWEVER - I did notice that my throttle/shift lever is a little loose so I think it would benefit me to check and see if the signal is making it to the back of the boat in the first place.

The resevoir that's cracked is approximately 3x5 and square, and 3 inches deep with a 3 inch thread on top for the trim motor to plug into.

You guys are great and I really do appreciate all your help!

Rob

 

[Don S]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

If you got to the cover, it works, you just have to find the links. Scroll down to the last page in the cover link, to the outline.
Then run your cursor over the different sections when the hand

changes to a finger

you are over the link to that section.
Some of them are large files and may take a while to open.

For the reservoir, Click Here

 

[Liberator 6]

Re: Tilt/Trim Issue

Don,
DUH - I got the links to work. As they say it takes all kinds... At least I'm fast launching and retrieving on the ramp! I looked at that link and they don't appear to sell just the plastic resevoir, but I did find one on ebay!

Thanks again for the link -

Rob

If you got to the cover, it works, you just have to find the links. Scroll down to the last page in the cover link, to the outline.
Then run your cursor over the different sections when the hand

changes to a finger

you are over the link to that section.
Some of them are large files and may take a while to open.

For the reservoir, Click Here