'80 115hp IL six, trim rebuild feasible?

halmc

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Feb 27, 2008
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231
Serial #5725760, 1980-'81 inline six cylinder two stroke 115hp Mercury.

Among this engine's several issues is considerable water contamination (compliments of TS Faye*) of its trim system, which is of the four hose, two ram variety. The trim motor runs fine in both directions, lifts the engine about half way. After lifting, the engine will slowly bleed down to vertical over the next minute or so. The reservoir is full of fluid -- but the fluid is a foul mix of oil and water. The RH cylinder seems to be leaking where the ram rod enters the top of the body.

I've come to the conclusion that the entire hydraulic system ought to be rebuilt if possible, including the seals, etc, of both rams.

This engine belongs to the owner of a remote marina where I keep my boat. Since he lives on the brink of economic extinction, all expenses associated with the repair -- if any -- will be mine.

Is a rebuild feasible? I'm a moderately talented wrench with a well-equipped shop, but in the associated iBoats engine parts, I don't see any kits for the rams. I do see new trim motors, the price of which probably exceeds the value of this engine and maybe the boat it's on -- not to mention the "trailer".

Thoughts, preferably those borne of experience in lieu of theory -- much appreciated.

Harold, writing on this gawd-awful cold Florida morning of 44F

*Boat left on trailer during storm, water accumulated in boat, submerged pump in water.
 

Laddies

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Re: '80 115hp IL six, trim rebuild feasible?

The cyls. are no problem but the pump is best left alone and just flushed with clean oil.
 

*EdC*

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Re: '80 115hp IL six, trim rebuild feasible?

The cylinders can be rebuilt. I just finished a pair myself. Like a lot of things with a Merc, there are a couple of "special" tools needed. First is a spanner wrench. I believe it's a 1 3/4". I got mine at www.sears.com $20 bucks. Sorry, I don't remember the name of the second tool, But it's a seal compressor, looks like a Dixie cup with the bottom missing. It guides the ram and new "O" rings back into the cylinder. It can be done without this tool, but I found it very helpful . I can send you some photos if you like. Overall it was a simple job. Hope that helps:)

Regards,
Ed
 

halmc

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Messages
231
Re: '80 115hp IL six, trim rebuild feasible?

The cylinders can be rebuilt. I just finished a pair myself. Like a lot of things with a Merc, there are a couple of "special" tools needed. First is a spanner wrench. I believe it's a 1 3/4". I got mine at www.sears.com $20 bucks. Sorry, I don't remember the name of the second tool, But it's a seal compressor, looks like a Dixie cup with the bottom missing. It guides the ram and new "O" rings back into the cylinder. It can be done without this tool, but I found it very helpful . I can send you some photos if you like. Overall it was a simple job. Hope that helps:)

Regards,
Ed
Indeed it does help. A couple three questions:

1) what parts did you replace and where did you get 'em? I don't find any sort of kit, at least not on iBoats.

2) with respect to the two special tools, would you care to sell 'em, and in lieu of that, rent/loan 'em to me for the job. I would be happy to PayPal you a security deposit equal to the value of the tools to guarantee return. (I'll gladly pay the PayPal morbida.

3) Pictures would be much valued. I will PM you my email address, and above all, thanks for the thoughtful reply.
 

Laddies

Banned
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12,218
Re: '80 115hp IL six, trim rebuild feasible?

Here a pictures with o ring sizes if you wish to get them at a local hydraulic repair shop or mercury and sierra both make o ring kits you need to know if your cyls are 3/4 or 1 inch rams.
scan0001-1.jpg
 

halmc

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Feb 27, 2008
Messages
231
Re: '80 115hp IL six, trim rebuild feasible?

Here a pictures with o ring sizes
Thanks for the great image. You have quite a treasure trove of images at that photobucket site!

Determining whether I have 3/4" or 1" rams will requre teardown, no?
 

*EdC*

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Oct 31, 2007
Messages
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Re: '80 115hp IL six, trim rebuild feasible?

Harold,
No tear down necessary, Just pull the piston rod out of the cylinder a bit and measure the width. :)
Regards, Ed
 

halmc

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 27, 2008
Messages
231
Re: '80 115hp IL six, trim rebuild feasible?

Harold,
No tear down necessary, Just pull the piston rod out of the cylinder a bit and measure the width. :)
Regards, Ed
Ahhh, the OD of the rod . . . Got it, and thanks.
 

*EdC*

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Oct 31, 2007
Messages
661
Re: '80 115hp IL six, trim rebuild feasible?

Harold,
The rebuild kit number for 1" rod is, A-48664 A1
Regards,
Ed:)
 
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