Re: Alpha One goes up but not down
Could be an issue with the trim limit switch or the solenoid which operates the downward motion (do you hear a "click" when you attempt to lower it?)
More than likely you could have an issue with the solenoid though. It is located on the hydraulic pump for the lower unit itself. At one time all the users manuals were available for download and there are great schematics- here is the one for the Alpha 1 with a single power - the down solenoid is the one on bottom. If you have dual, in other words with a 2nd switch at the stern, you'll need a different schematic but its still the lower of the two solenoids.
Two options - either pick up a new solenoid and swap it in, swap your upper with the lower and see if the upper no longer works, or if you are really in a pinch, you can jump the points and over-ride the solenoid with a screw driver (you'll have to search that one because I can't recall which points to jump!)
The trim limit switch is a black, circular object mounted on the port side of the gimbal housing. You will have two wires going to it (are they broken?) and there are likely two phillips head screws holding the cover on (DON'T REMOVE THE COVER) and then two allen head screws which allow the trim switch to rotate left and right. Rotating the trim switch left and right controls the range of the lower unit. If yours has come loose and rotated or if the wires are broken it could cause the symptoms you are facing.
