More on the Tilt and Trim Problems

[KVH]

I'm reading lots of similar issues here. Some motors will trim down, but not up, and some the other way around.

My motor was tilting up but not down on any consistent basis. I had to keep fiddling with the switch.

I checked the relays and they showed good, though I sort of question the tests since it's possible they are also irregular and inconsistent.

Yesterday, to my shock and surprise, the trim and tilt worked great at the lake then froze for the first time in the up function. In other words, down was no problem, but now up was a problem. The reverse of my issues over the past three weeks.

This time, however, the current just seemed "dead" at the trim/tilt motor.

However, I just tried wiggling wires at the relays, and suddenly my motor worked. Needless to say, I'm now searching for bad connections and circuits.

Any words of wisdom? Is this typical? Which in that nest of wires is the culprit?

200 HP Evinrude Vindicator 1996

 

[boobie]

Re: More on the Tilt and Trim Problems

Go to the top secret files at the begining of this forum and look for wiring diagrams. This may help you out. Just remember blue wire is up and green is for down.

 

[KVH]

Re: More on the Tilt and Trim Problems

I did take a look but I'm getting a bit stuck on solutions. The relays check out good, and so do the connections. However, when my TNT Motor wouldn't go up or down, I began thinking that the problem must be the motor. Then, however, after jiggling some wires near the relays, it worked and I was able to go in both directions.

I'm beginning to think that the wire jiggling was just a coincidence that I'm experiencing a binding or failing motor. Remember, when I first had the problem in the "down" direction only, I'd hear creaking as if the motor was trying to go, and then it would go. Whether the creaking was the electrical connection finally taking hold, or the pump mechanism binding, I just can't say.

Is it possible that the relays test good but then, when under load, they fail? I know it sounds like I'm searching. I'm new to outboards, but learning.

I wish I could access more of the wires, including at the motor and limit switch, to see if they are poorly connected.

I have a final point to mention. I can't check the TNT fluid because the moment I remove the cap, the fluid comes running out. It seems over-filled, or my boat angle needs to be pointed down. I tried parking on a steep down slope, but fluid again just dripped out the moment I removed the cap--so I've been ignoring that issue.

Thanks guys.

 

[WernerF]

Re: More on the Tilt and Trim Problems

Connect a voltmeter to the geen and blue motor leads. The modern digital multimeters are best here, because they can measure positive and negative voltages and you don't have to change ther meter's polarity all the time. If at any time you have 12V across the motor, but it doesn't turn, there is a stuck carbon brush within the motor.

 

[KVH]

Re: More on the Tilt and Trim Problems

1996 Evinrude 200 HP Vindicator

Thanks for the help. Yes, I'm really puzzled. It's as if the switches just stick and then suddenly work, and, in between, I hear the motor trying to respond. Sort of an intermittent creaking noise.

I'm concerned it's more serious than a loose wire or relay. My tests across the "S" terminals show the relays as being good, both under load and not.

How do I access those those motor wires? Just raise the motor up. My Vindicator is heavy, so if the tilt down doesn't work I'll have to use the relief valve I assume. The last time I raised the motor, I couldn't find where those wires attach to the motor. I know that sounds lame, but seriously--it's not like there are two connectors just sitting there exposed. And my manual isn't much help.

If I wanted to remove the entire trim/tilt motor, would that be all that difficult?

Thanks for the help. I know I ask too many questions. I do want to head for the lake again soon!!

 

[KVH]

Re: More on the Tilt and Trim Problems

1996 Evinrude 200 HP Vindicator:

After reading all I can find on tilt and trim problems, particularly with motors that "intermittently" won't respond to the switches (sometimes works, sometimes doesn't), I'm concluding that it may be best that I remove my TNT motor and have the brushes cleaned or replaced.

I've checked the wiring and the relays, and nothings checks bad.

I don't mind the work, but would welcome any ideas or tips about removing the TNT motor and the diagnosis I'm reaching.

Thanks for the help.

 

[kingkellogg]

Re: More on the Tilt and Trim Problems

I had this sort of problem on a 150xp engine. When I wiggled the wires it would work just as you said. I found that the terminals in the box on the back were corroded under them. I took them off and cleaned with a wire brush. When I put them back on it never cut out again. Good luck!

 

[KVH]

Re: More on the Tilt and Trim Problems

Hmmm. Which wires are you referring to? Where do I look for that corrosion? Thx

 

[kingkellogg]

Re: More on the Tilt and Trim Problems

Mine are on the very back of the engine in a black box. take out the screws and there will be the relays that run the tilt. I just took the wires off one by one and the corrosion was under them.