Loss of power & misfire when Trim button is pushed

[williamskfw]

Hey folks, please help. I have a 20' 1994 Caravelle with a 5.0ltr Mercruiser with an Alpha 1 Drive. The engine has 302 hours on it. The problem is that the engine has started to misfire and lose power when I press the Trim button too trim the boat out. After I let off the trim button the engine goes back to normal. The same thing happens when I am trimming back down. Any thoughts??

 

[Don S]

Re: Loss of power & misfire when Trim button is pushed

Bad ground.<br />Loose or corroded battery cables.

 

[jka]

Re: Loss of power & misfire when Trim button is pushed

Williamskfw,<br /><br />i have a four winns 190 horizon with a 5.0 OMC. I had the same problem when I applied the trim. The engine would sputter/hiccup...the volt meter would drop.<br />I took it in and the tech said the alternator was not producing enough voltage. He put in a new one and the problem was resolved. My battery was strong and cables clean and fine.<br />Good luck...post your resolution

 

[steve n carol]

Re: Loss of power & misfire when Trim button is pushed

wil, how long has this been going on?<br />seems to me that it would be a short. some of the mercruisers have one some have two solinods at the trim pump. On mine the power comes in form the one that activates the starter, ant then over to the trim pump. Also at the starter silinod, is the small post,(marked I), that runs up to the coil. One way to test the silinoid, is to use a 'powered' test light. Test all posts, one at a time, to ground, ie the bracket. The light should not light. AND be sure to remove and replace the wires back in the correct order, this will also provide you with a chance to clean them up if they are corroded, don't drop any nuts into the bildge, like one guy I know.<br />However, before removing any wires, i'd do look over and trace the trim switch wires for cuts or nicks to ground...sl

 

[williamskfw]

Re: Loss of power & misfire when Trim button is pushed

The problem just started. I may have found the problem. I have been in the enigne bay for a few hours!! I found that the ground wire from the trim pump to the engine block was loose at the engine block. I have cleaned it and put it back on with a lock washer. I went ahead and cleaned all of the other posts and conectors. Nothing like spending a few hours in the ol'engine bay! I'll find out on Saturday if I fixed it. Thank you all for your ideas, I really appreciate it.

 

[steve n carol]

Re: Loss of power & misfire when Trim button is pushed

"Nothing like spending a few hours in the ol'engine bay!" sounds like there was some bonding going on. I usally get Carolyn to do those kind of things, (the engine bay), I have her wear a short skirt at that time!...sl