1988 85 HP Force Tlt/trim

[Oldyellow71]

Hi guys,

Just bought a 19' blue finn with an 85hp force. I ran it on muffs prior to buying, however I didn't check tilt trim system. (Live and learn) Anyway when I trim down the system works as advertised and you can hear motor/pump running. It does not make any sound nor does it move when trim up is selected. Any ideas? I have rebuilt plenty of carbs and replaced a few impellers so i know my way around a motor pretty well but have never messed with tilt/trim before besides topping off fluid. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1988 85 HP Force Tlt/trim



If the motor turns and the tilt/trim works in one direction, then one of the relays is most likely not functioning. It can be difficult to tell which, because the problem could be the coil in the power relay OR the ground relay not going to ground.

Green heavy wire to motor is down and blue to motor is up. Both relays are at ground until you activate the switch in either direction.

Switch the relays and see if the trim/tilt now functions the opposite way. Now you know to replace one relay---or, simply replace both relays and save the good old one as a spare. They are standard parts and can be found at auto junkyards, relatively cheaply, at U-Pull-It yards. You can also buy them at electric supply stores, Graingers, McMaster-Carr, or some auto stores. All will be less expensive than at boat dealers.

My relays are locking type, weatherproof, taken from GM vehicles. I rewired the bases (sockets) to fit my trim system as original wiring was not heavy enough to carry the possible 30 amp load.

You may see them without mounting lugs but with or without, the relay is the same. In the photo, the extra relay is in the center. Your relays will be mounted differently.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1988 85 HP Force Tlt/trim

That sounds like the relay isin't working.
Pull the wires out of the relay and put them back in.
Spray WD in the switch and in the relays.
The fluid needs to be topped off while it's in the down position.

 

[RRitt]

Re: 1988 85 HP Force Tlt/trim

Hi guys,

Just bought a 19' blue finn with an 85hp force. I ran it on muffs prior to buying, however I didn't check tilt trim system. (Live and learn) Anyway when I trim down the system works as advertised and you can hear motor/pump running. It does not make any sound nor does it move when trim up is selected. Any ideas? I have rebuilt plenty of carbs and replaced a few impellers so i know my way around a motor pretty well but have never messed with tilt/trim before besides topping off fluid. Any help is appreciated.

unplug and swap the relays. if problem reverses then one of the relays is bad. Relays are cheap. about 2-3 each plus shipping. get the ones with metal tabs since they tend to have a bead of sealing glue around base. replace both and maybe even put a spare in your toolbox.

if swapping the relays doesn't do anything then hotwire the trim motor. Use a jewelers screwdriver to press down the locking tab and remove motor wires from relay connector. pull wires back through engine cowl and hotwire them straight to a battery or jumpers. if motor still fails then motor is bad. if motor works then you have a problem in control wiring from console.

 

[Oldyellow71]

Re: 1988 85 HP Force Tlt/trim

Thanks guys, that I will swap the relays and see if she now trims up! I'll post results thanks again