1996 FORCE 120 > Tilt and Trim not working

[scrampbell]

Hi,

I'm looking at a 1996 Force 120 with a couple of problems. The one I'm working on first is the tilt and trim because I understand that it might take a lot of $$$ to fix if it's truly broken... so the other problem may be moot if the tilt/trim is busted.

The tilt/trim motor runs fine, it's just that it doesn't move the motor. Also, by buddy the owner says that when it was in the water last and he put it in reverse, the engine kind of swung up a little like it was free to move up/down. I'm wondering if maybe the manual release is "released." Is this possible? Where is it? I'm trying to locate a service manual, but any help you can provide in the meantime would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RRitt]

Re: 1996 FORCE 120 > Tilt and Trim not working

Don't worry too much about cost. No mater what the dealer is telling you the system is repairable. $210 is the maximum possible hydraulic repair cost for a system in undamaged condition. In general, it is difficult to damage the unit beyond repair. BUT - if you delay repairs and a lot of water gets past the top seal then the ram can burst on a hard freeze. If you run in saltwater then sometimes the pitting can get so deep that the housings can be damaged beyond repair.

You can not release the manual release while the engine is in the water or without realizing that you are doing it. Nonetheless it is the large nylon screw facing to your right as you stand behind boat and look at the engine. It is in the base underneath the motor. You do not tighten the manual release. You gently seat it. It has already made the seal by the time it reaches bottom. Over-tightening the manual release is the second most common type of damage. It takes a full all-out rebuild to fix since all the broken pieces of must be tracked down and removed from system.

Check with iboats and your mercury dealer for new parts. Ebay is usually best for services and used parts.