Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

[reffdogg]

Hello, I just picked up a 1969 bayflite glastron 164 with a mercruiser 120 prop and motor. When I push the button for "in" the hydraulics lowers the prop down without incident, however when I push the button to raise it up it sends a clicking to the solonoid or some sort of relay. I would like to know if anyone knows if this boat has a fuse block or panel somewhere...I have searched everywhere and no luck.

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

Hello, I just picked up a 1969 bayflite glastron 164 with a mercruiser 120 prop and motor. When I push the button for "in" the hydraulics lowers the prop down without incident, however when I push the button to raise it up it sends a clicking to the solonoid or some sort of relay. I would like to know if anyone knows if this boat has a fuse block or panel somewhere...I have searched everywhere and no luck.

Assuming you bought an inboard/outboard (IO), the big thing that the prop is attached to is called the outdrive, and it is what should be going up an down. Further assuming on my part, you have an MCM 120 sterndrive, and likely an I-Drive outdrive.

I doubt if anyone knows where your fuse block is, but there is a lot of potential help here if given the correct details.

I would suggest that you find the serial numbers of your engine and outdrive and then go to the link below and download a free copy of your factory service manual (Service Manual 1, I believe). There is a serial number on your engine block (rear, port side above the starter) , and one on the outdrive (top, port side on a decal). If you can't read it, take a picture of the outdrive and post it.

Once you have confirmed your serial numbers, the manual has a pretty extensive troubleshooting section for the trim system. Read that, and then repost any questions. You'll get lots of help that way.

In the meantime, you probably have dirty/corroded connections somewhere in the electrical system of you trim. If the solenoid is clicking, I don't think it would be a fuse.

Link; http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1693398#post 1693398

Good luck.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

On the older drives you might have to hit 2 buttons at once to make it move.
Try that then clean all the contacts and try jumping the terminals.J

 

[reffdogg]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

I just realized that I had two replies to my post and would like to take the time to thank you for responding. I have sinced noticed that the problem is infact the solenoid....I used a piece of wire to jump it and the outdrive raised up. So I guess my next question is, is it difficult to replace this component? Also, I have tried to download the manual #1 and have not had any success getting it to open up...acrobat reader detects some type of error in the file.

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

Normally the solenoid is just two bolts and whatever wires run to it. Just make sure you record where you remove the wires. If you can find your serial number, you can look up the part here on iboats.

I'm downloading Manual #1 now. If I have a problem I'll report it to the moderators. If it opens for me, I'll let you know as well.

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

reffdogg,

I downloaded Manual #1 and opened it without any issues. When I downloaded it, I chose "open" rather than save, and then saved it after it was downloaded and open. Took forever, even on my HS Cable connection. Is your Adobe up to date?

 

[reffdogg]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

I just did the update on adobe and was able to open the manual. Also, an update, I purchased "a" solenoid from a marine machanic. I tried installing it. After I installed it, I tried to push the button and got one "Click" then nothing, seems like a fuse or something on the pump....I have not been able to locate it though, also, neither the up or down trim is working after solenoid install. any suggestions?

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

I just did the update on adobe and was able to open the manual. Also, an update, I purchased "a" solenoid from a marine machanic. I tried installing it. After I installed it, I tried to push the button and got one "Click" then nothing, seems like a fuse or something on the pump....I have not been able to locate it though, also, neither the up or down trim is working after solenoid install. any suggestions?

Glad the Adobe update worked for you.

Like I said earlier, if it was a bad fuse, you wouldn't hear clicking...I don't think. A blown fuse terminates the (hot) path of voltage. I'm thinking you have a low battery or a dirty connection some where. Generally, a solenoid is a solenoid. No magic behind them...it's just a switch. Don't underestimate your battery's condition. At least 80% of the time, that's all it is.

That manual has an extensive troubleshooting section on this...that's why I recommended you download it. I would just patiently work my through it...you will find the problem.

And...BTW...my ex-wife's father was a "mechanic" (God rest his soul), and he screwed up more of my vehicles than I'm willing to admit. Sometimes you just have to get-r-done by yourself.

 

[reffdogg]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

Problem solved...It turned out that the ground on the solenoid wasnt grounded enough, used a different location to ground and bingo, works like a charm. Now, I have faced another issue concerning electrical, lights, and bilge pump. They arent working either...Still looking for fuses. Thanks for your advice EerieRon. I love this manual...Thanks to whoever took the time to scan it.

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

reffdogg,

Glad you found the problem. Fuses; Just follow the hot leads and you'll find them. Smaller boats usually have a fuse block screwed into the underside of the dash...or there abouts. Many have individual fuse holders on the top side of the dash with the switches and instruments. Sometimes they are in-line fuses integrated into the hot lead.

Good luck.

PS Don't over look a bad ground on your lights and bilge pump...

 

[reffdogg]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

Found the light problem, bad fuse (individual fuse at instrument switch) and bad pull switch....Had the contacts inside of the switch lightly sanded on an slab of stone (for level) and voila! Lights working...Now, before putting this baby back in the water, there is one thing I need to do...I accidently removed the black tape that was used to hold the poorly spliced bilge pump hot and ground wires, I cannot tell which is the hot on the pump and what is the ground...Also, the pump does not come on when you flick the switch...Does anyone know if there has to actually be water in the pump for it to turn on?

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

Found the light problem, bad fuse (individual fuse at instrument switch) and bad pull switch....Had the contacts inside of the switch lightly sanded on an slab of stone (for level) and voila! Lights working...Now, before putting this baby back in the water, there is one thing I need to do...I accidently removed the black tape that was used to hold the poorly spliced bilge pump hot and ground wires, I cannot tell which is the hot on the pump and what is the ground...Also, the pump does not come on when you flick the switch...Does anyone know if there has to actually be water in the pump for it to turn on?

Do you have a float switch in your bilge to turn the pump on automatically, or just the bilge pump running straight from the helm switch?

BTW; Either version should function from the helm switch with, or without water.

 

[reffdogg]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

I actually pulled the bilge pump out and I tested it...its dead..I picked up another one with an automatice float. I will be starting the motor tomorrow! After installation of the bilge pump of course. I plan on takin it to the delta on Friday morning!

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

Best of luck to you !

Have a great trip.

 

[reffdogg]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

Ok, since my last post, I wasn't able to hit the water as planned....The motor on the boat wouldn't keep running, I found out that the gas in the tank was bad, I siphoned it all out and refilled the tank (only a gallon or two left) and tried again, no dice, the fuel pump is fine, just not working with the carb, I assumed carb needle is stuck, rebuilt carb myself, reinstalled (incorrectly, didnt do proper adjustments) mechanic helped adjust, connected to an outside gas tank, and got her running, I drained old gas out again, this time 10 gallons, then refilled to the top with new gas (kept old gas, I think its still good) Reconnected old tank, started fine, then stopped, no gas to carb, I have come to the conclusion that the gas line is bad as well as the tank needs to be flushed. What do you guys think?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

Reconnected old tank, started fine, then stopped, no gas to carb, I have come to the conclusion that the gas line is bad as well as the tank needs to be flushed. What do you guys think?

Ayuh,... The tank of gas is probably just Fine....

The antisiphon valve at the top of the tank could be plugged....
If you have the gas line off there,+ at the fuelpump,... Blow through it,... See if it's plugged,.. I doubt it though...

Next stop for Crud would be the fuel Filter inside the fuelpump...
Might wanta change it...
I'd be tempted to add a cannister type filter, right there, between the tank,+ the fuelpump...

 

[reffdogg]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

Thanks, I do want to add, I changed the fuel pump filter and added another filter on the line to the carb...What is the antisiphon valve? I believe that is the problem, how do you fix that problem? the valve on the top is so old and difficult to remove.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

Ayuh,.. at the gastank's Outlet is an elbow fitting screwed into the tank,...
Into that elbow is the fitting the hose is clamped to....
Inside that nipple the hose is clamped to is the antisiphon valve...
You might get away with just taking it all apart,+ Cleaning it.. Donno..

Use a teflon paste sealent on the threads to reassemble...

 

[reffdogg]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

this tank has an copper line, as well as a copper fitting on the end of it, it doesnt quite clamp...do you think this also is screwed in? I will attempt to do this on sunday if it doesnt rain.
Reffdogg

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Hydraulics on Outdrive Prop

Can you post a pic of those connections ?