tilt trim rebuild.. .

[my1stboat1]

recently bought rritts seal kit from ebay. If anyone is in need of a reseal the kit is great... I do have 1 question though... After removing the shock piston and replacing the seals how much fluid should i fill the shock cylinder with before reassembly. I believe theres no hydraulic lines going to and from the shock absorber so it wont get filled from the tilt system..

any help would be great..
thanks

 

[RRitt]

Re: tilt trim rebuild.. .

i leave tilt ram dry. I use vaseline as an assembly lubricant both in pump and cylinders. It washes off my hands more easily than marine grease and is less messy than hydraulic oil. same with trim ram. the system is self bleeding and all fluid can be added through pump when finished. Adding fluid before you finish the system can end up being an oily mess. I hate oily messes (should I make an obligatory BP slur?).

I use anything from hydraulic oil to 30w motor oil in the shock depending upon year and horsepower. The point of shock is to act as dampner. The heavier the engine and the thinner your pump drive gears then the thicker you will want your shock oil. I fill shock 1-1/4 from top and tighten top with piston fully depressed. The extra oil dribbles out of sides and into a waiting bucket.

 

[my1stboat1]

Re: tilt trim rebuild.. .

Therefore. Using trim pump oil in the shock itself probably isnt a good idea im assuming

 

[my1stboat1]

Re: tilt trim rebuild.. .

1988 bayliner 16 foot with 85 hp force... what oil should i put in the SHOCK CYLINDER... 30 weight motor oil or hydraulic oil....