Mercruiser Trim

d_glover25

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 7, 2007
Messages
47
I just got a free boat that may or may not run. One thing I do see is the lower end will not stay up. I have no experience with cylinders or the system at all. Where should I start? What should I check? The transom plate serial # is 5695935 wich I've found out was used between '78 and '82, I will need manual #4. Where would be a good place to aquire one of these manuals?
 

paulie0735

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
463
Re: Mercruiser Trim

Free boat?? Beware the free boat, just kidding! I would start with the hull actually. Possibly the best start may be to have the boat professionally accessed. May sound extreme but if you have little or no experience with boat maintenance or re-building than you could very well sink a lot of time and money into a worthless wreck. Get the assessment done, from there prioritize the list of things that need to be addressed, access the things you can do yourself and have the rest of the work quoted. You may be financially better off to give the boat to somebody else and spend the money on one that you can use. Than again it may be a gem, but I wouldn't be starting with the drive, that’s a bolt on component and is reasonably easy to fix or replace. You really need to take a big picture look at the hull as this will determine if it’s worth the effort, lots of good advice on this forum, some are strictly by the book, others think a little for themselves but generally speaking you will get mostly good advice here. Good luck, maybe post some pics, and give us a look at what you have.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Mercruiser Trim

paulie0735 said:
Free boat?? Beware the free boat, just kidding!

In my experience, Free Boats are WAY overpriced. and I am not kidding!

You can find the manual on ebay, or your local Merc dealer can order you one.
You will also need manual #3 for the engine. #4 is only for the outdrive, transom shield, and trim tilt system.

You need to check EVERYTHING. Especially maintenance items like hoses, bellows, shift cables, tuneup items, filters etc. etc. etc. Also make sure it structurally sound (no rot in transom or stringers)
As much as you may want to tinker with the boat itself, make sure it's fixable mechanically before spending a lot of money on the interior and exterior of the boat.
 

d_glover25

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 7, 2007
Messages
47
Re: Mercruiser Trim

Thanks guys, but I wont be spending anything on the boat until the engine is running or I find out that its too much work to get it running. Its a 16' 1980 Galaxie bowrider and the hull is sound. Eventually I'll be replacing all th wire harnesses and guages, reapolstering and carpeting, after the engine. The boat has been sitting at least a season. I picked it up off a shop owner that was moving his shop and his lease was up. He had no time to sell it and was going to trade it for back rent. I mentioned that I would take it and he went for it. There was about 6 boats left and this one looked the most promising. All seats and all controls. marine radio, depthfinder, and clean looking engine. right now though the outdrive is being held up by rope. I was just wondering how involved working on the trim was because I've never dealt with them. How much are parts and how many special tools are needed. Where should I start, with the trim. you know, is there a simple check or series of checks that would save me time. Thanks for the replies.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: Mercruiser Trim

Find the Trim Pump,......
See if it's properly Powered,+ full of Oil......
Run it Up,+ Down.......
 

Zim

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 11, 2007
Messages
119
Re: Mercruiser Trim

Is it missing the trim cylinders?
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Mercruiser Trim

What engine is in this boat?
 

d_glover25

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 7, 2007
Messages
47
Re: Mercruiser Trim

It still has the cylinders, they just have no pressure. The engine in the boat is an IL4 140hp. Serial# 5728381 Mercruiser.
 

RandyJ

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
Messages
808
Re: Mercruiser Trim

You can get a good exploded view of parts at mercruiserparts.com Their prices are a little high but at least you can get them. It sounds like you've got either a leaking cylinder, leaking hose, or bad check valve. You can go to ebay "comleted" auctions to check out prices on used stuff or some of the guys here can give you ballpark prices on parts. if you break it down there really isn't much to a trim/tilt system...switch, pump, hoses, cylinders... that's it...except for the oil...and maybe a lockout or limit switch...not really all that complicated. If you run them up & down several times you can get the air out if that's the problem. I'd just give the hull a very good going over for signs of rot. A floor is easy to repair but bad stringers could mean it's best in the garbage dump....right now I'm working on one that's a close call.
 

d_glover25

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 7, 2007
Messages
47
Re: Mercruiser Trim

So, thanks for all the replies. I got in touch with the former owner who says the motor runs but as far as the trim, its missing something called a lock stop? Is this what Randy cals a lockout or limit switch. I'm finally gonna have time to check it out this weekend. I'm going to fill the pump with oil and hook to good power. what should I be looking for?
 

delsol

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 27, 2002
Messages
749
Re: Mercruiser Trim

i got an almost free boat in sept. i had lots of boats. this almost free boat has 8k in it in less then 6 months. i never drove it. the good news this is the type i wanted
bob
 
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