Help with older Merc 1150 Power Tilt - Won't go Down

[WA-Newb]

The motor has sat for several years but as soon as I hooked up the good battery I hit the tilt switch and it went up just fine...but now it is not wanting to go back down.

I read about the knob that can be turned to manually raise the motor and have tried messing with that (turned fully both ways) but it still acts like it's either rusted stuck or catching on something...the pump IS running and I can see it trying to move but it just won't go and I don;t wont to break anything or cause further problems.

I filled the oil (which was quite low) and still had same result.

Wondering if there is air in the line or maybe one or both cylinders are stuck from rust build up.

Any suggestions? I have never worked on these before...and this unit has the pump under the splash well and then two cylinders on the transom bracket.

Thank you.

 

[oldman570]

Re: Help with older Merc 1150 Power Tilt - Won't go Down

Have you checked the motor lock up lever to see if it has fallen down and will not let the motor come down? It is near the top of the transom bracket and is there so when your working on the tilt trim and LU the motor can be locked in the up position and worked on without the motor falling down on you when doing the work. JMO
Oldman570

 

[WA-Newb]

Re: Help with older Merc 1150 Power Tilt - Won't go Down

Hi oldman

Yeah I had already looked at that...wished it was down but it's not

Thanks though.

 

[WA-Newb]

Re: Help with older Merc 1150 Power Tilt - Won't go Down

So I soaked the tilt tube area real good last night...just went out and applied liberal pressure "upward" on the lower unit and it broke free.
From sitting I am assuming the tilt tube has gummed up / corroded. It's actually moving decent now but a good cleaning will be needed if this motor is a runner.

Summary: SOLVED

 

[oldman570]

Re: Help with older Merc 1150 Power Tilt - Won't go Down

Glad you have it broke lose. If the motor is a runner you might need to give the cyclenders some added attention as it sounds as though they might have drawn in moisture and corrided the inside of the bores and pistons of the trim unit. If that is the case, then it could cause the O ring seals to get damaged and the unit will have more trouble in time. I would see if the old gal will run first before spending more time and $$$ on it. JMO
Oldman570