200 HP Merc - Intermitent Power Tilt

[frillici]

I have a 1997 200 HP Merc Saltwater - the hydraulic power tilt has been running a little slow and now it operates intermitently. Yesterday it worked fine - today it is stone cold when activated by the tilt switch on the throttle control and the up/down button on the engine. Seems like an open circuit - is it a broken wire or the electic hydraulic pump?

How to do you trouble shoot?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 200 HP Merc - Intermitent Power Tilt

First thing to try is switch the two relays, small square relays, unplug both, switch and plug back in.

A standard automotive test light is very useful to determine that you have power to the relays.

 

[frillici]

Re: 200 HP Merc - Intermitent Power Tilt

Charlie - thanks.

OK - were do I find the relays?

 

[j_martin]

Re: 200 HP Merc - Intermitent Power Tilt

The clue I pick up on is "it's been running a little slow." If your battery is good, and the connections are good, it looks like time to maintain the motor itself, as it's dragging (bearings) or brushes are getting bad.

hope it helps
John

 

[frillici]

Re: 200 HP Merc - Intermitent Power Tilt

All good insight. What I did today was cut the wires from the tilt/trim motor and hooked them up directly to a 12V Battery - Nada - nothing - so I was able to eliminate any electrical problems. Next step was to call Mercury Tech Services and get the part number for the motor - 878265A4. Then I googled the part number and found the tilt and trim motor for $199.95 www.psepmarineparts.com (Merc quoted $325 for the OEM motor). Now all I have to do is remove the old motor and install the new one.

I would have tried to clean up the old motor - but the case is rusted and the motor is now 11 years old - so a new motor is in order.

So now - any tricks in getting the old motor off - do I have to remove the motor from the transom ?