I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

[Smig]

I am new to boating and having a blast learning all about boats and outboards! I also love tinkering and have set my sights on adding power trim/tilt to our motor. I have studied the Clymer manual, scrounged for parts lists/diagrams all over the internet and have found lots of bits and pieces of information but now I need to figure out how to find the right parts and put it all together.<br /><br />From what I can tell, Merc's of this era used a two hydraulic cylinder system (Type 1??) with special transom mounting brackets and a remote pump. So I guess the first question is - are there specific size cylinders for this motor or are they interchangable with other pre-80 motors?<br /><br />My next question has to do with the pump itself - can any Mercury pump/resevoir system be used or is there a specific one to use with this system?<br /><br />Lastly, there is a nylon strap that sits down near the reverse lock. What is this for? <br /><br />Thanks for all of your help,<br />Shaun<br /><br />PS: I have looked at the aftermarket units, and have not ruled them out, but I really like the idea of original era parts - everthing on this boat (except the tach that I added) is original and in great shape and I would love to keep it authentic! Not to mention those units cost more than the boat and motor did!

 

[Laddies]

Re: I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

The tilt/trims that you want are interchangeable on all engines obove 50 HP. quite often available on Ebay

 

[saumon]

Re: I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

Hi, <br /><br />i had a transom mounting bracket from a 1993 Mariner 40hp 4 cyl. that a guy here on iboats (pine island fred) give to me. I just took off the power trim unit (single ram, 2 wires, round motor case) to fit on my engine, so the bracket sit in my basement.<br /><br />Doesn't know if it will fit your engine, but if you can use it, it's yours free and you'll just need to find a power trim unit. I'm far from being an expert, but i think this kind of bracket is interchangeable only with 80's/90's 40 to 60 hp.<br />Steve

 

[mixerjv]

Re: I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

Steve you are right it would not fit Shaun's '76 500. Shaun, you are better off with the original Tilt and Trim add on. JAckplate type aftermarket T&T are stressfull on transoms as well.<br /><br />You will be able to find the external cylinders / pump etc. on ebay, but some of the other parts closer/attached to the engine brackets may be more difficult. Many are NLA from mercury. First I would get a parts list for your motor and look at it closely, you will be able to tell.<br /><br />The Nylon strap serves to help absorb an underwater obstacle hit plus as a limit in case the trim limit switch fails.<br /><br />The reverse lock is not needed when you install the T&T and typically removed.

 

[Smig]

Re: I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

Thank you everyone for your help. Steve, thank you for the offer but it sounds like that bracket won't fit. Oh, well - hopefully someone else reading this might be able to make use of it!!<br /><br />Does anyone know where or what the part number would be for the parts list? <br /><br />Also - I have seen pumps with 1 or 2 solenoids - what is the differnce? Since the pumps all appear to be 3-wire, what difference does the second solenoid make?

 

[mixerjv]

Re: I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

Check out this link for the parts list and some parts:<br /><br /> http://www.oldmercs.com/197476Merc500.htm <br /><br /><br />"Also - I have seen pumps with 1 or 2 solenoids - what is the differnce? Since the pumps all appear to be 3-wire, what difference does the second solenoid make?"<br /><br />I have one of each myself and I'm not sure, perhaps somebody else does. I do know that the one without 2 solenoids uses the regular T&T switch to carry the current for the trim to go in the down position. They probably figured the T&T switch can handle the current going down unlike when it goes up and there is a heavy load on the motor.

 

[Smig]

Re: I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

and now a pump question...I have seen a lot of pumps out there that look like this one, <br /><br /> http://www.mercruiserparts.com/images\mer\1194.jpg <br /><br />which they list as the current replacement pump for the two cylinder, 4 hose systems. Are all of these types of pumps interchangable or should I be looking for a specific one?<br /><br />Again, thanks for the help,<br />shaun

 

[mixerjv]

Re: I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

Shaun I think they are interchangable but I'm not %100 sure - hopefully one of the experts will chime in.

 

[inlineal]

Re: I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

Shaun....Thats a Mercruiser Pump...Three wire direct reversible motor...One solenoid for down ..the other for up...I don't know why it wouldn't work on an outboard..With external tilt cylinders..Just need a three position (heavy duty) switch at the helm and some hydraulic hoses..It will take a distribution block to go from two line from the pump to four line to the cylinders..An older 1 drive Mercruiser block will make it easy..Get this...Mercury Marine charges $100.00 for that bracket that the pump is bolted to...

 

[Smig]

Re: I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

...how about these prices for a jaw dropper??!!<br /><br />Trim Kit Page 1 (Pump) and Trim Kit Page 2 (Cylinders) <br /><br />I can't believe they actually have this kit in stock so the prices must be a deterrent, but the diagrams sure are nice!!<br /><br />Can you explain a bit more about the hydraulic lines to me? I am thinking that there are two per cylinder, one each for up and down. It sounds like the larger load is on the up (lift) and the down is really more of a controlled release of fluid. Is this oversimplification correct?<br /><br />You also mention a distribution block - do the old pumps actually have 4 connections or do they all use a distibution block of some kind?<br /><br />Thank you,<br />Shaun

 

[inlineal]

Re: I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

Shaun...The pump is direct reversible...In other words it turns in either direction depending on which wire is activated which in turn turns the pump either direction...So...Its pressure for up and pressure for down...One line from the pump is up and the other down...Since the system has two cylinders the lines have to be split into four..Two for up and two for down...The distribution block divides the two direcions from two line (from the pump) to four line (to the cylinders)...The Mercruiser block bolts to the gimbal housing (transom) on the outside of the boat..I would look for one made in the 70s or so..You bolt this into the motor well of the outboard boat..Mount the pump under the motor well and feed the lines to the block on the inside...From there one line each to each cylinder...one for up and one for down...Al...

 

[Smig]

Re: I would like to add a power tilt/trim to a '76 Merc 500

Thank you everybody for your help - I have learned quite a bit here!! <br /><br />I think I've figured out enough of this to start the hunt for parts - let's see what the tide washes up!!!<br /><br />Shaun