a different T&T question

[texas_whaler]

I have a 1990 70HP Johnson VRO with power tilt and trim...The T&T has been working a little slow for a while..And the other day I took it out to the lake and when I tilted it up to use the trolling motor it worked fine and when I was ready to leave, it wouldn't go back down..It just sounded like the relays were buzzing..I held it down for several seconds and it finally lowered..When I got back to the boat ramp it wouldn't go back up...Scary!!! After several tries and the buzzing noises it went up...In the event that this ever happens again after I get it working, is there a way to bypass the power and raise it manually so that I can trailer it back home? Do you think my relays are just going out? Obviously I am totally unfamiliar with power T&T..My other motor was manual!! Thanks in advance for your input!!!!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: a different T&T question

First thing to do is check you fluid. Raise it all the way up and remove the fill screw on the pump. Make sure its' full. If you do have a problem where it sticks up or down, there is a manual relief valve on the starboad side of the bracket inside a 1" or so hole. Turn this out no more than 2 turns and you can raise or lower it manually.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: a different T&T question

In addition to Rick's reply.... You didn't mention whether the PTT electric motor ran when the relays were "buzzing". It might also be a good idea to check and clean all of the electrical connection associated with the unit.<br /><br />A slight bit of corrosion in the right place could result in the relays engaging (maybe) but could also result in a voltage drop to the electric motor.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: a different T&T question

Good point, Joe. I never hear my relays "Buzzing" when I use my T&T.

 

[texas_whaler]

Re: a different T&T question

Awesome guys!!! I haven't been able to try it yet but I talked with a boat mechanic near me as well today and he said the same thing about cleaning the wires and described the manual relief valve screw exactly as you did..I will post the results as soon as I can get away to try it..Thanks again for the responses and expertise!!!!<br /><br />Matt

 

[texas_whaler]

Re: a different T&T question

Also, from what I could tell,the motor was not running while the relays were buzzing!! What is the best way to go about cleaning the connections? What should I use?<br /><br />Matt

 

[OBJ]

Re: a different T&T question

Depends on whats' on them Matt. Usually the factory coats them with dialectric grease. This stuff dosen't conduct electric and keeps the moisture out. There are some good electronics cleaners out there that don't leave residue and cut grease pretty well. I've found it best to get the heavy off before using the cleaner. <br /><br />A little corrosion can usually be handled with a little emery paper. Be sure to clean good afterwards.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: a different T&T question

Pull the relays straight out and make sure the blade connectors are clean and shiny. Get some electrical spray cleaner form the auto parts store and spray the female terminals they plug into. Make sure all the wires going to the T&T are clean and tight.

 

[Hooty]

Re: a different T&T question

Usually when relays get noisey it's because the contacts are pitted and burned. They don't make a good connection. They're not gonna get any better so I'd replace 'em.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[texas_whaler]

Re: a different T&T question

Hey guys..Just wanted to thank you for your help... All the contacts looked ok...The fluid was very low, so I filled it up..Much better now..It still seems to move a little slow up and down..Maybe the pump is going out..I have never owned power tilt before so I am not real sure exactly how it is supposed to act..Thanks again..<br /><br />Matt

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: a different T&T question

After you cycle it up/down a few times, check the fluid and top off if nessesary.<br />I just purged and refilled mine. It took a half dozen cycles to finally fill completley.<br /><br />Dave

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: a different T&T question

Texas<br /><br />The trim is not gonna be real fast, but it should tilt in a hurry.