Full tilt down when on trailer???

[harp96sho]

Hi everyone...when my boat is on the trailer, I cannot tilt the motor down completely.....it will go about 65% of the way down before I have to stop....if I don't stop it will hit the ground .....is this normal?? Will this be OK for outside storage over the winter?? I have a 89 Bayliner Capri 19', 125 force outboard, original escort trailer the boat came with. Thanks!!!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Full tilt down when on trailer???

i would block up trailer till you can get it all the way down. or heavier springs, larger wheels and tires.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Full tilt down when on trailer???

The reason for vertical winter storage is so all water drains out of the outboard block AND so rain and snow water does not enter the exhaust, collect, freeze, and split the lower unit. Your Force does not have this problem unless it is a later model with the Mercury lower unit or if it has dual exhaust. '89 was neither so freezing water is not too much of an issue. It still can get in behind the prop though and cause problems in freezing weather, so if you can not get the engine vertical, wrap the lower unit to prevent rainwater from accumulating.

Try to get the engine vertical because you will see that when you do, a few ounces of water will splash out. This usually has collected in the lower unit above the exhaust snout. It's not enough to cause freezing problems, but better safe than sorry.

 

[conan1]

Re: Full tilt down when on trailer???

I have the same problem with my 1975 85 hp merc. Something to think about doing is to just pour RV antifreeze in the prop exhaust and then drain all you can and cover. RV antifreeze comes in pink gallon jugs at Walmart. I also use this to flush out my power washer prior to storage to keep from taking the pump apart. Its supposed to be safe for drinking water systems so I don't think it will hurt any rubber seals, bushings, etc. Just my 2 cents.

 

[harp96sho]

Re: Full tilt down when on trailer???

uh oh.....looks like I'm going to need to replace the tilt cylinder before next spring.....I raised it to remove/clean/lube the prop and before I was done it was almost down to the ground and I had hydraulic fluid coming out of the shaft seal on the cylinder .....I did manage to get the motor the whole way down by backing the trailer to the end of the ramp in my lot (there's a nice drop off there)....no water came out but it has been about 2 weeks since it was in the water. Got it back on the storage bar, winterized it, then tarped the entire boat and motor (including lower unit)....should be good for this winter. Thanks for all your help!!! Maybe someday I can return the favor.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Full tilt down when on trailer???

If you can't find one near you for a reasonable price, contact RRitt on the Force repair forum--he rebuilds them. That tilt cylinder top cap screws off, and the rod screws out of the piston then if you can find a seal, you can replace it. A little frustrating, but do-able.

 

[harp96sho]

Re: Full tilt down when on trailer???

Thanks alot! I will keep that in mind.

 

[Rusty Boater]

Re: Full tilt down when on trailer???

Go buy a set of oil change ramps and back that boat up on there.

I cross hatch the trailer anyway on 6x6's for the winter to keep the tires from flat spotting.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Full tilt down when on trailer???

I cross hatch the trailer anyway on 6x6's for the winter to keep the tires from flat spotting.

What does that mean, exactly?

 

[Rusty Boater]

Re: Full tilt down when on trailer???

stack 6x6's or 4x4's in a lincon log fashion.