Trim problem (intermittent) - Relays ?

[bang4dabuck]

Trim works intermittently. Both CONNECTORS at the RELAYS, have a gooey, black substance where the the LEADS enter the connectors. Is this a normal situation or is something burning there ? I feel no heat/warmth there.

In the schematics, it looks like the RELAYS are separate from CONNECTORS. I gingerly tried to pry them apart but to no avail. I did not get pushy. ???

This problem surfaced Sunday while I was setting up a separate trim switch. This toggle switch is rated for 24V. When connected and tried I just got a click at the BOX. Reconnected my throttle w/old trim switch. Still nothing. Played around and couldn't find anything. Came back today with manual to troubleshoot. Hooked up new switch. It worked ... for a little while. Started the troubleshooting checklist. When I got to the volt test at GREEN/CONNECTOR/RELAY trim started working. I thought OK. Put everything away. My father who was helping me the previous night then pulled up and wanted to see that it was working. So I proudly showed him but after several up and downs there was only up, no down. Still better than the previous night when there was neither up nor down.

One thing. When I was fiddling, I misplaced that lock washer (the kind with teeth) that helps ground the trim box to the motor. I will try to replace today.

 

[mckee1787]

Re: Trim problem (intermittent) - Relays ?

Let's start from scratch. Try applying power to the trim motor itself to comfirm it's working without any hesitation. You didn't state motor #, so you have a two wire or three wire trim motor, I'll assume two. Apply power, trim should go up or down, reverse leads the opposite should happen. From that point on check the connector from the relays with a VOM and as you switch from up/down trim the voltage should change polarity. Also, notice if the reading is erradic. Basically, what we're trying to do is check from the trim motor back to see witch component is the culprit.

 

[bang4dabuck]

Re: Trim problem (intermittent) - Relays ?

Yes 2 wire 1987 90HP. I have switched the green and blue leads at the TRIM SWITCH and same result, no go. I will try digging into the gunk at the connector assembly again with my VOM probe. This seemed to make the motor work when I was testing for current. Maybe just happened then we'll see.

Thanks and BTW what is that GUNK ? Other people have asked about it but I saw no response. Please let me know if that is supposed to be there or a sign that something is frying.

 

[mckee1787]

Re: Trim problem (intermittent) - Relays ?

What a coincidence, I have the exact same engine. I just had a similar problem and by applying power directly to the trim motor, it worked intermittently. I replaced the motor, problem fixed.

The gunk you're noticing could be storage lubricant or electrical lubricant. Sometimes when the trim motor is on its way out the higher current drawn will tarnish the contacts. Again, It is important to notice that when the trim motor is directly connected to +/- 12V the motor should work flawlessly up/down.

 

[bang4dabuck]

Re: Trim problem (intermittent) - Relays ?

How would you specifically hook directly to power? Disconnect those two leads from box and run some lead (1) from positive side of battery and try each lead one at a time ? I wont burn anything will I ?

My trim motor is very corroded and the leads are kind of dry rotted. Would you buy any of those cheap motors off EBAY from a people with a lot of sales and good rep or stick only to ARCO, SIERRA or OMC ? I saw a one like that (NO NAME) on EBAY for about $80 to my door. Arco 6220 would be about $140. Haven't checked SIERRA yet.

Let me ask you this. 2 leads go from box to motor and 3 leads go back white/tan, black /silver (I think) and a green. The first two are for a gauge pretty sure but my green is not connected to anything and is loose. Do you know where this goes ?

McKee Craft I take it ? Good boat. My project is a 1968 Whaler Katama.

 

[chief08087]

Re: Trim problem (intermittent) - Relays ?

its the trim motor. the brushes are getting stuck. buy a new one or open up the motor and clean all the crap out of it. i had a trim motor that had a weak spring behind the brush so it wouldnt always make contact. took a spring out of an old video game controller and puit it in. works like a charm now

 

[bang4dabuck]

Re: Trim problem (intermittent) - Relays ?

last evening pretty much worked all night. I did have to play with the connector on the DOWN relay. Up was pretty consistent although it seems like a bit of a struggle until it gets past the STERN BRACKET(???). Down seems to be an issue. When fully extended, the two trim rods need to go all the way in (around 10 - 15 seconds) before she will start moving. Is that normal ? Checked hydraulic system for air. Some of the fluid that came out was pink (Dextron II). Oh well.

So right now, if it doesn't work at first, my first go to will be to jiggle connections at DOWN RELAY.