'73 Holiday 18 Trim and Tilt Controls?

[Plains Drifter]

How should the 3 button control panel on a 1973 Starcraft Holiday 18 operate?

I have a 3 button vertical panel. Top button is labeled UP, middle button has a line drawn through the middle of it and is labeled UP/OUT bottom button is labeled IN.

The middle and bottom buttons seem to take the drive up and down through a full range. The PTT gauge reads from one side in the green to all the way up in the red.

The top button does not seem to do anything.

Thanks.

 

[GA_Boater]

The top, UP button is used to move the outdrive to the trailer position, all the way up. To raise the drive for trailering, press the top and middle buttons at the same time.

 

[Plains Drifter]

The top, UP button is used to move the outdrive to the trailer position, all the way up. To raise the drive for trailering, press the top and middle buttons at the same time.

Thanks so much! I never would have guessed that.

 

[Plains Drifter]

Just tried it and ... Yep, that gets it all the way up to the trailer position. Thanks again!

 

[GA_Boater]

Just tried it and ... Yep, that gets it all the way up to the trailer position. Thanks again!

I knew that! LOL

Only use the trailer position when towing. When you get home, lower the outdrive. Lowered is easier on the bellows because it relaxes them. Also don't start the motor with the drive in the trailer position, it is hard on the u-joints.

 

[Plains Drifter]

I knew that! LOL

Only use the trailer position when towing. When you get home, lower the outdrive. Lowered is easier on the bellows because it relaxes them. Also don't start the motor with the drive in the trailer position, it is hard on the u-joints.

Argh! I've got so much to learn. I just did all the things you said not to do!

Thanks for the additional info!

 

[GA_Boater]

You'll learn. We all started out the same way. You should look at getting a manual. There is a site that has manuals for viewing for quick info. It is not affiliated with iBOATS, but a good reference. Boatinfo.no

 

[Plains Drifter]

So is it okay to operate the tilt / trim system with the engine off? When I get home I don't have to put it back on muffs to lower the drive do I?

 

[MNhunter1]

So is it okay to operate the tilt / trim system with the engine off? When I get home I don't have to put it back on muffs to lower the drive do I?

You should be good. The muffs provide the cooling necessary for the motor operation/prevent overheating, providing the water cooling that would normally take place with the motor submerged. Not necessary for T/T operation, just when running the motor. Just make sure you cut the master power when you're done so you don't come back to a dead battery.

 

[Plains Drifter]

You should be good. The muffs provide the cooling necessary for the motor operation/prevent overheating, providing the water cooling that would normally take place with the motor submerged. Not necessary for T/T operation, just when running the motor. Just make sure you cut the master power when you're done so you don't come back to a dead battery.

Thanks!

 

[Plains Drifter]

Could anyone tell me what the fluid capacity of the entire power tilt/trim system should be?

If it is completely empty, should I need to put in more than the reservoir capacity?

 

[GA_Boater]

You should be asking in the Mercruiser forum. It's a better place for questions like filling the trim pump or motor questions. The simple question about the TnT switches was OK, but now you're getting technical. LOL

 

[Watermann]

Could anyone tell me what the fluid capacity of the entire power tilt/trim system should be?

If it is completely empty, should I need to put in more than the reservoir capacity?

You don;t have to buy that expensive fluid either, Merc manual recommends 30 weight motor oil for the TnT system so just buy a qt of good name brand 30wt for 2 bucks. I sucked all of it out of the reservoir and replaced with fresh after I rebuilt the rams and it took less than a qt..

 

[jbcurt00]

You should be asking in the Mercruiser forum. It's a better place for questions like filling the trim pump or motor questions. The simple question about the TnT switches was OK, but now you're getting technical. LOL

I agree, so topic moved to the Mercruiser forum