Leg Will Go Up But Not Down All The Way

[martinsforce85]

I have a OMC stearndrive 175 Electric shift, I can raise the leg no problem but when I go to lower it back down it only will go a few inches and the leg stops and the solenoid clicks, almost like it ran out of electricity. If I wait a few seconds it might go another inch or so before the solenoid clicks again. I replaced the solenoid and cleaned all the connections completely and re-attached to solenoids. Still have same problem. I see a motor at back of engine going into the back transom looks like it mates with the gearbox next to the leg that moves the leg up and down. It says prestolite on it and the wires go to the solenoids (Not starter Solenoid) kinda looks like a starter motor but not. If this is the problem how do I remove it as I don't see any bolts. Cannot find a manual in town so any help and advise would be very helpfull ( Diagrams or pictures to follow would be great )

THANKS IN ADVANCE

MARTIN!

martiesemail@yahoo.ca

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Leg Will Go Up But Not Down All The Way

I would remove the tilt motor and check the brushes and commutator. The two through bolts that hold the motor on also hold the motor end caps together so try to keep it all together when you pull it out.

It's not uncommon for water and oil to come up thru the tilt gear box and gum up the motor. Clean everything with a brake cleaner type spray. I've heard that once the armature gets oil soaked they never develop full power again. Don't know if that is true or not but they certainly are not going to work well when they are all crudded up.

There are also some tricks that you can do to keep fluid out of the motor once you get it back into shape. I'm still running my original 32 y/o motor. It's a little balky every now and then but still works.

I have also heard that some of the cheaper aftermarket motors do not develop the torque that the prestolite does.

 

[martinsforce85]

Re: Leg Will Go Up But Not Down All The Way

Thanks Boomyal, I will give it a try. Is there a long shaft that comes out with it? I only have about 4 inches of clearance do to the engine mount. What are the tricks to keep the water and oil out that you mentioned? If I cant keep it in one piece are a whole bunch of parts going to fall out?

Martin!

 

[martinsforce85]

Re: Leg Will Go Up But Not Down All The Way

Is it usually the tilt motor thats faulty when it goes in one direction but stops while trying to go the other direction.

Martin

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Leg Will Go Up But Not Down All The Way

Thanks Boomyal, I will give it a try. Is there a long shaft that comes out with it? I only have about 4 inches of clearance do to the engine mount. What are the tricks to keep the water and oil out that you mentioned? If I cant keep it in one piece are a whole bunch of parts going to fall out?

Martin!

There are four basic parts. 2 end caps, barrel and armature. There is also a nylon washer on the shaft as it comes out of the forward end cap. We can discuss the 'measures' after you get it out and report on what you find. Yes it is tough to get to, depending on the structure of your boat. On mine I have to take the rear seat panel out to get back to it.

 

[martinsforce85]

Re: Leg Will Go Up But Not Down All The Way

Thanks Boomyal for all the help. I was able to aquire the gear housing and tilt motor as a complete unit from my local marina for $50.00 cash. Removed tilt motor from it. My tilt motor had no oil or water in it but there was a lot of rust and corrosion. I plan to clean it and keep for a spare if it works again. Installed the used tilt motor and it works like a charm, the leg goes up and down perfectly now. Can you pass on your sealing tricks to me so when I put the original motor together I can seal it properly. Thanks again

Martin!