Mercury tilt and trim solenoids

[Garrett1992]

I have a 1980 mercury 200 hp and for some reason the tilt and trim solenoids always go out on me like every two months. So, I figured instead of keep buying new solenoids, could i just wire up a momentary on off on switch and install it on the dash and run the leads directly to the motor, bypassing the solenoids? I would fuse the wires of course. Is this a safe idea? Thanks guys

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Mercury tilt and trim solenoids

The solenoids are high current switches and the lead length is short. I know the amperage of the motor isn't all that much, but still, trying to run high current wire to the dash and back would be crude. Next problem is getting a reliable switch to switch the amperage necessary to run the motor.

Could it be done? I certainly would think so. I mean, the solenoid is nothing more than a higher current switch with a low current controller. One has to wonder why you keep loosing them. Maybe your motor has a short. Seldom do you hear of such a problem and millions of trim units are out there.

HTH,

Mark

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Mercury tilt and trim solenoids

I agree with Mark. I had a similar motor and never needed to replace solenoids in the 20+ years I had the motor.

You would need to determine the gauge (likely about 6ga) of the wire, run it to the dash with a real heavy duty switch ($$) and back to the trim motor. I suspect your relays are not breaking, but you may have a bad ground or intermittent switch.

 

[aussieflash]

Re: Mercury tilt and trim solenoids

The switch and gauge wire required for this would be very expensive,and possibly a fire hazard.Are you sure its the solenoids?Check and clean all connections/grounds.Switch may also be the problem or pinched wiring in box.
Just this week my up solenoid stopped working/intermittent,just made clicking noise,so took all wires off solenoid cleaned and now all is good.