1990 Merc A-1 Tilt Trim Clicking

[JeffJohnson123]

Recently replaced both relays for the tilt and trim on my 1990 Glasstron 5.0L Alpha one drive.

When I hit the switch on the control, I can hear one relay click when I hit up and the other clicks when I hit the switch down.

I have checked that the pump works by jumping the 12v to the correct terminals on each relay. Both times, the drive raises and lowers correctly.

I have removed all connections and sanded down the connectors to insure no corrosion and good contacts.

The battery is fully charged 12.58 volts per the voltmeter

I have only seen one fuse to check which is part of a small wiring harness that connects the side control switches to the relays. It tests ok with a voltmeter. Otherwise, there is a hot line straight from the battery to a brass plate that connects the two relays together.

So to sum it up (as far as I can tell...) the pump is good, the relays are brand new and clicking, there is plenty of 12v power, and my back hurts from hanging around in my too small engine compartment all night.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Mdavis]

Re: 1990 Merc A-1 Tilt Trim Clicking

I would check your voltage reading from the trim tabs located on your control box.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1990 Merc A-1 Tilt Trim Clicking

When you used the jumper (from the battery or from the + cable at the trim pump)did you test from :
the small lug tripping the solenoid
the large lug to the motor
The inline fuse you see only supplies power to the helm switch to activate the solenoids

 

[JeffJohnson123]

Re: 1990 Merc A-1 Tilt Trim Clicking

There is a hot wire that comes from the battery to a lug that eventually connects to the brass plate that connects to a term on each relay.

I connected one end of my jump wire from that lug and the other end to the top relay terminal connected with a blue wire to the pump, and I touched it also to the bottom relay terminal that is connected to the pump with a green wire. Both times, the lower unit moved.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1990 Merc A-1 Tilt Trim Clicking

If I read it right ,that block is a 110A fuse and you jumping from the battery side(in) and not the side connected to the brass jumper across the solenoids.
run a jumper across that fuse block and retest.

 

[JeffJohnson123]

Re: 1990 Merc A-1 Tilt Trim Clicking

If I read it right ,that block is a 110A fuse and you jumping from the battery side(in) and not the side connected to the brass jumper across the solenoids.
run a jumper across that fuse block and retest.

OK, I was connecting the hot wire at the lug that connected it to the block which you describe as a 110a fuse. That worked fine before.

Taking your advice, I connected one end of my jumper to the term connected to the green wire that goes to the pump, and the other that connects the fuse block to the brass jumper across the terms. Result = nothing.

To retest, I touched that hot lug from the battery again and the motor engaged.

I'm not an electrician by any means, should I look at replacing that fuse block then?

 

[JeffJohnson123]

Re: 1990 Merc A-1 Tilt Trim Clicking

And if I need to replace it, is that a boat shop part or just a box surrounding a regular auto fuse?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1990 Merc A-1 Tilt Trim Clicking

doubt if you find a 110A auto fuse but the older systems didn`t have that. The block is also used at the starter for the main system power.
Might find something similiar to what is used on power winches.

 

[JeffJohnson123]

Re: 1990 Merc A-1 Tilt Trim Clicking

I replaced that fuse block and I now have tilt and trim from the switch. Thanks!

 

[dipthenet]

Re: 1990 Merc A-1 Tilt Trim Clicking

Sounds like the same problem I am having. Do you have any pics of the fuse block? Is it the 3/4" square block at the end of the wire? I am brand new at this stuff so pics really help. Whats the most common way to jump? A wire with a couple alligator clips?

Thanks