Optimax 150 Power Tilt Problem

[Wide Open II]

Howdy...new to the board, and I did try a search but couldn't find info pertainent to the Optimax's. I have a 25 Mako with twin 1998 Opti 150 Saltwaters. Here's the problem. Planned to head to the water this morning. Trimmed up both engines from the throttle trim control switches. Starboard engine did just fine. Port engine trim motor had a slightly different sound, but because it's cold outside, I thought it was just "cold". Went to raise the travelling safety braces under the engines. Starboard engine lowered fine and seated on the rest. Port engine trim was completely dead. No noise, no clicking, nothing. Tried from both the throttle trim switch and from the switch on the side of the cowling. <br /><br />I don't have a service manual for these engines, just the owner's manual, and it's no help. Tried to "find" the relays, if there are any. Is there a fuse in the line I should be looking for? I did try to just turn the engine over to verify power to the engine. I hit the key quickly and it did turn over. It sounds electrical because it happened so quick and no prior problems. I need some help tracing down the problem.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Wide Open II

 

[Wide Open II]

Re: Optimax 150 Power Tilt Problem

Additional Info:<br /><br />I just got the wife to go to the helm and operate the trim switches while I stood beside the engine (cowling off) to locate the trim relays. There are 3 relays mounted side by side and, in fact, one of them does click when actuating the trim switch. Only one relay clicks no matter whether pressing the up or down button. The other two relays are silent, so I didn't want to arbitrarily start switching wires and relays since I dont' have a clue what they're for. They are identical in appearance though.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Optimax 150 Power Tilt Problem

Hi Wide Open<br /><br />In case this helps, I had exactly the same problem on my Evinrude 115 last week when I was out on the water wanting to come back into the ramp. My trim would go in the "down" direction, but was completely silent and dead in the "up" direction.<br /><br />I learnt a couple of things from the experience;<br /><br />1. The problem was eventually fixed by unplugging the relay unit which was at the front (boat end) of the motor (Evinrude). The relays look like a small black plastic box. I sprayed WD40 on the pins and plugged it back in again...and it works again. <br /><br />2. Unfortunately I didn't work out how to fix it until back on dry land. My immediate problem was how to tilt the motor up without the electric trim working. I remembered the Manual Release screw on the side of the mounting of the engine - the only problem was I couldn't budge it with a screw driver.... it was jammed tight due to a build up of salt from the salt water. A local marine mechanic told me on the phone (think goodness for cellphones!) to work it backwards and forwards to gradually free it up. Eventually I was able to turn it about 3 turns counter clockwise and the engine came free so I could manually lift it onto tilt.<br /><br />Main lesson learnt: If you're on sea water a lot - make sure you use and test the Manual Release from time to time to ensure that it works. Some CRC or WD40 sprayed on it from time to time is a good idea I think. It's no fun trying to do this out on the water by a busy boat ramp!<br /><br />Wide Open - Your problem could be the same as mine (relay electrical connection) or a relay failure or a trim motor failure...<br /><br />Hope this helps.