alpha 1 trim solenoid problem

[rewdan]

Hi, its probably been covered but I need a bit if quick advice.

My trim does not move, it clicks when I press down, nothing when i press up. I have two solenoids on the presolite pump, I have tested both and get the same results from both.
I have 12v live on one of the fatter terminals when I earth the meter on the battery neg. I also have live on the same fatter terminal when I earth on the other fat terminal or earth on either of the two smaller ones, so I guess the earth is good. This is the same on both solenoids.
Should I short out the two large terminals and see if the pump works, and if that works, but two new solenoids?
Thanks for any help

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: alpha 1 trim solenoid problem

No. Odds of both being bad pretty high. Your up prob could be a faulty or misadjusted trim limit switch, which is located on the gimbal ring. 'nutcase

 

[rewdan]

Re: alpha 1 trim solenoid problem

sorry, I should have told more... the boat filled with water a couple of years ago, I got it out, dried it out and had it running immediatly after its swim. Winterised it. Since then it has sat without use for a year, lots of bits need doing. I recently have started doing things to it to get it back in the water, just freed up the steering cable which was solid, took 2 days! Wasn't turning over, so I put a new starter motor on it, still no joy, then I read a post here about shorting out the starter solenoid (same type as on the trim pump). This worked so I fitted a new starter solenoid and the engine turns over. I was wondering if this is worth trying on the pump solenoids, if I try it can I do any damage? I know its unlikely that both would go at the same time but they have been submerged!

 

[fishinpa]

Re: alpha 1 trim solenoid problem

Yes if you know the correct wires and posts to (jump) you can test both the solenoids and the pump in that way, be careful of fuel/ vapors and sparks ! lol

that steering cable i would think about throwing on the trash pile , could lead to a very bad situation ..


fish

 

[rewdan]

Re: alpha 1 trim solenoid problem

With the starter solenoid it was across the two fat ones, I used a pair of pliers! Worked then so it should be the same on the other ones, shouldn't it??

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: alpha 1 trim solenoid problem

Yes. And if entire pump was submerged all bets are off...motor prob full of water/rust as well as a pair of junk solenoids. 'nutcase

 

[rewdan]

Re: alpha 1 trim solenoid problem

good morning!
I have just shorted out the fat terminals on both solenoids (one at a time) and the drive moves both up and down as it should. Yey!
Does this mean it can only be the solenoids that are junk or could there be something else??

 

[cr2k]

Re: alpha 1 trim solenoid problem

You need to check for voltage at the smaller terminal with someone operating the switch. If you have 12V when the button is pressed, would probably be your solenoids. If not I would check some connectors and fuses.

In either case, after submersion, I would not plan on a long life for the solenoids or the pump motor.

Blue=UP
Green=Down

If you look at the Stickys at the top of the forum you will find a Factory manual for your tilt/trim that should include wiring diagrams.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: alpha 1 trim solenoid problem

Put a jumper wire between the trim limit switch wires at the trim pump and try it. They look like a black extension cord

 

[rewdan]

Re: alpha 1 trim solenoid problem

thanks for the help everyone, I am in Ibiza, Spain at the moment where my boat is. About to catch a plane to the UK. I will be back here end of May to try again, look out for more questions then!
Hasta luego!

 

[rewdan]

Re: alpha 1 trim solenoid problem

changed both solenoids and renewed a couple of the connectors and everything works as it should.... however, now and again when raising the leg I get a loud screeching sound while it is coming up. The rest of the time its the normal hum, any ideas?