Trim pump motor runs but outdrive won't go up

[drafter93]

1992 Baja Islander 180 4.3 Merc. Alpha outdrive will go down but wont raise up without lots of assistance. The pump is running, the reservoir is full of fluid and no fluid is leaking. It worked fine last year. Do I just need a new pump or maybe there is air in the lines? Thanks in advance

 

[alldodge]

1992 Baja Islander 180 4.3 Merc. Alpha outdrive will go down but wont raise up without lots of assistance. The pump is running, the reservoir is full of fluid and no fluid is leaking. It worked fine last year. Do I just need a new pump or maybe there is air in the lines? Thanks in advance

The trim systems works by pumping fluid into one side of a cylinder while the other side is sealed off by check valves. Since your pump is running the pump is either bad, or the check vales are clogged up and will not seal. You can either replace the pump or take it apart and see if cleaning will fix it.

Is the fluid clean?

 

[drafter93]

that's what I needed to hear. the fluid is dirty so i'll try to take it apart and clean it. if not, i'll just order a new pump. Thanks!!