Help! I can't get my outdrive down on my Scarab!!

[ssavannna]

The Scarab was taken out of the water 2 years<br />ago because the outdrive wouldn't go down. So there it sat. Now its time to fix it. But I don't know how. <br />Alpha 1<br />3.0 Litre/LX<br />Digital Ignition<br />Merc/Cruise<br />got power to hydrolics/got fluid..<br />makes noise and attempts to lower... but<br />only moves about 1/2 inch.<br />Help !! please!

 

[Down South]

Re: Help! I can't get my outdrive down on my Scarab!!

It sounds like the unit may be low on fluid. does the motor sound like it increases speed after it lowers the 1/2".

 

[ssavannna]

Re: Help! I can't get my outdrive down on my Scarab!!

It does have fluid. But its not completely full. Its about 3/4ths full. I first thought it might need a little more, but boyfriend<br />said "naw.. its got enough". (I still think it need some).Oh..No, the sound of the motor doesn't change at all.

 

[hondon]

Re: Help! I can't get my outdrive down on my Scarab!!

You might consider checking the consistancy of the oil in your resivior. It should be about like salad oil. I have seen trim oil come around like snot after a lay up.Will standing on your drive make it go down while running your switch?

 

[Chum Slick]

Re: Help! I can't get my outdrive down on my Scarab!!

The Alpha 1 Mercruiser outdrives will normally run down even with low fluid levels because of the weight of the lower unit and the normal affect of gravity. Low fluid levels will cause problems when trying to raise the unit back up. Did you check for obstructions under the lower unit between the lower unit and the mount housing. I had a piece of drift wood jammed in mine once which kept it from lowering. Also, check the shift linkage, maybe not connected properly which would could cause unit from lowering all the way.<br /><br />Keep the bait in the Slick.........

 

[ssavannna]

Re: Help! I can't get my outdrive down on my Scarab!!

The hydraulic fluid feels about the same as salad oil. So, I think it's ok. <br />We tried standing on it, while pushing the button...but it still wouldn't move.<br />There doesn't seem to be anything visibly stuck in it. <br /><br />I think it might be in the switch, because the down button works fine when pushed..I mean I can hear it try..but when I push the up button, nothing happens. no pump noise,nothing..just silence. But then..its already up, and doesn't it autimatically stop when it can't go any higher?

 

[Liam]

Re: Help! I can't get my outdrive down on my Scarab!!

Sounds like the hydraulics work fine. I would check the hoses for blockage and put penetrating oil on all pivot points. Remove the hose from the piston and operate for 1 sec. Fluid should come flying out. Another way is to remove the piston(s) from the engine and see if 1) It will drop and 2)do the piston(s) work without any weight applied.<br /><br />Good Luck,<br /><br />Liam

 

[K Lewis Jay]

Re: Help! I can't get my outdrive down on my Scarab!!

i would disconnect the trim cylinders from the outdrive, by pulling the pins on both ends and see if the outdrive will tilt on its own (by hand). chances are that it will move okay. next try your trim switch again and see if one trim cylinder will move and not the other. If one will not/can not move, it will keep the drive from tilting. Rebuild or replace the cylinder.<br /><br />good luck<br />eljay

 

[ssavannna]

Re: Help! I can't get my outdrive down on my Scarab!!

ok..disconnected the lines from cylinder, pushed the button and out came the fluid. <br />I'm going to try pulling the pins next, but I should probably ask my boyfriend to help me with this. ( i'm afraid i'll do something wrong, and screw it up more than it is).<br />I'll let you know what happens tomorrow.<br />Oh, before I forget.. Thank you all so much for the advice. I think its really cool.