OMC 400 lower unit or trim problem

[JnS]

lower unit only engages when trim is all the way down.

contacted a few local boat places and they seemed to not have a clue what would cause it. anyone have any idea?

thanks!

 

[QC]

Re: OMC 400 lower unit or trim problem

I am not close to being sure about this, but I could imagine extremely worn ball gears causing what you describe. I assume you are actually talking about tilt, not trim right? Take a look underneath the drive with it tilted up. Look for these two gears. They wear out pretty regularly if operated tilted at all. From your question I assume that you have run it tilted . . .

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC 400 lower unit or trim problem

Trim or Tilt???

Tilt is on the dash... motor should never be started with the drive TILTED up.

Red Trim switch is on the throttle handle. It changes the alignment of the engine up or back down, effecting the angle of the drive, lifting the bow up or driving it down.

TILT is used for trailering, TRIM is used to "trim" the boat's ride to get it on plane.

So are we talking about tilt or trim?

 

[JnS]

Re: OMC 400 lower unit or trim problem

ok sorry guys, new to all of this....

it is on the dash, so I guess it is tilt.

no trim switch on the throttle, should it be?

the boat is a 1985 bayline capri with 3.0


thanks!

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC 400 lower unit or trim problem

There were some Stringer setups sold without the trim feature.

What do the ball gears look like?

Can you take a picture?

 

[QC]

Re: OMC 400 lower unit or trim problem

My '84 3.0 did not have trim . . . The manual actually said you could run her under 1000 RPM with it tilted for shallow water operation, but I know from experience that it is a bad idea . . .

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC 400 lower unit or trim problem

How hard?

That's a very subjective question.
First step is to get a service manual and take a look.

 

[JnS]

Re: OMC 400 lower unit or trim problem

well thanks for everyone's help I switched them out in about 5 hours.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC 400 lower unit or trim problem

Good deal... I hope you used Loctite retaining compound on the gears and filled the nut area with silicone before putting on the nut caps.

Always keep the drive down and those gear should last a long time.