How to drain tilt-trim system

[saaristo]

Noticed that my trim oil is a bit milky or foamy. Seems the cap O-ring on the reservoir has failed. So how to get it out from the system before you fill it with new? It's a DPS-A, gen 1 pump.

 

[dubs283]

With the drive fully down/in remove the hoses from the aft connections on the trim rams. Have a helper run the pump from the remote handle while you collect the oil in a pan from the hose ends. Once the oil is out you can flush the system with new oil until it comes out clean, reattach the hoses, fill and purge air from system.

FYI, those external trim pump assys are notorious for failing, especially the early design

 

[saaristo]

With the drive fully down/in remove the hoses from the aft connections on the trim rams. Have a helper run the pump from the remote handle while you collect the oil in a pan from the hose ends. Once the oil is out you can flush the system with new oil until it comes out clean, reattach the hoses, fill and purge air from system.

FYI, those external trim pump assys are notorious for failing, especially the early design

By saying aft connections you mean the ends close to transom/shield? Sry english is not my native

 

[dubs283]

Aft = furthest back, opposite of forward. So, the connections furthest from the transom

 

[saaristo]

Thanks. That sounds logical if you think from where to where the pump is pumping the oil

 

[cptbill]

I'm not sure that water(enough to make the oil milky)got in through the cap o ring. I think you should take a hard look at the seals on the rams. If it where me I would think about replacing the seals just because, I went throuh an entire summer once wondering why my fluid was getting milky and I could not find a leak. Turns out one of the seals was bad and was sucking in a little water but was not leaking it out

 

[saaristo]

I'm not sure that water(enough to make the oil milky)got in through the cap o ring. I think you should take a hard look at the seals on the rams. If it where me I would think about replacing the seals just because, I went throuh an entire summer once wondering why my fluid was getting milky and I could not find a leak. Turns out one of the seals was bad and was sucking in a little water but was not leaking it out

Actually did the ram seals last year because of leaks and foamy oil. Now it's again foamy. Either it's the cap O-ring which is visibly bad shape or it is because of the remains of bad oil from last year. Either way I will flush it out.

 

[Scott06]

Actually did the ram seals last year because of leaks and foamy oil. Now it's again foamy. Either it's the cap O-ring which is visibly bad shape or it is because of the remains of bad oil from last year. Either way I will flush it out.

You can take it apart to flush, another option is to suck the oil out of reservoir with Turkey baster, refill with fresh fluid. Work drive in and out 5-6 times. Suck reservoir dry again and refill, repeat until it is clean. I did this 3 times and oil was completely flushed out without opening any fittings...

 

[Nheels]

Noticed that my trim oil is a bit milky or foamy. Seems the cap O-ring on the reservoir has failed. So how to get it out from the system before you fill it with new? It's a DPS-A, gen 1 pump.

Just went through this. First thing I did was contact Volvo and they sent me a new pump cover. The 1st gen is a known defective issue.

I then had the trim cylinder rebuilt at a local machine shop. They replaced all gaskets and seals. The old ones dry out and crack, and I suspect that is where your water is getting in.

 

[saaristo]

Just went through this. First thing I did was contact Volvo and they sent me a new pump cover. The 1st gen is a known defective issue.

I then had the trim cylinder rebuilt at a local machine shop. They replaced all gaskets and seals. The old ones dry out and crack, and I suspect that is where your water is getting in.

That might be the case in US but in EU I doubt anyone will replace a 15 years old pump cover? I understand you got gen 2 cover as a replacement?

 

[Nheels]

That might be the case in US but in EU I doubt anyone will replace a 15 years old pump cover? I understand you got gen 2 cover as a replacement?

Yeah the flatter one that doesn't have the plug issue. My boat is a 2008 and they never batted an eye.

 

[saaristo]

Yeah the flatter one that doesn't have the plug issue. My boat is a 2008 and they never batted an eye.

Thats a good bit of information, I should contact the local rep. But just to confirm, it's a direct swap between gen 1 and gen 2 and the new set they provided with hydraulic lines? (2 of the new lines have 90 degree fittings).

 

[Nheels]

New one comes with lines and 90 degree fittings attached. Tell them you have water leaking in. There is a white plug thing on the old ones that is defective and allows water in and fluid out. Maybe yours is leaking as well??

I just needed to give then my drive and engine serial numbers.

 

[saaristo]

Made a written inquiry to local VP along with serial numbers etc. Long story short - for this item there's no callback no goodwill no nothing.... eat s***.

 

[Nheels]

Made a written inquiry to local VP along with serial numbers etc. Long story short - for this item there's no callback no goodwill no nothing.... eat s***.

Ah that's too bad. I didn't go local and reached out to corporate customer service for my stuff. Anyway, good luck!