outdrive goes up but not down

[77GlastronMT]

My outdrive will raise fine, but when I try to lower it, the pump runs but the drive does not move. The only way I can get it down is to let it settle overnight (yes I have ram internal leakage) or have someone push the button and push down on the drive. I don't even know where to start. TIA. John

 

[savetexomabeaches]

air in system

 

[alldodge]

The end caps might be binding. Disconnect the trim lines at the pump and swap them. If it goes down but not up then there is a pump pressure problem,
The ram kit 25-60342A2

 

[77GlastronMT]

I've tried to bleed the system however it's takes quite a while with someone having to push down on the drive to get it back to the lowered position. I'll try swapping the hydraulic lines and see what that does. Thanks for the replies.

 

[grtomboy]

No manual screw to loosen? Gravity should let the motor come down once you release the pressure with that screw plug. Go slow. And fill with fluid every time it goes back up. You will hear the bubbles as the motor comes back down

 

[2fishy4u]

I had this same thing last month. Turned out the seals failed. water and oil got behind the seal and would not let it lower. I would have to remove the screw, and apply a LOT of pressure to get the liquid pushed out. But they filled back up within a week. I replaced the seals, and after 5 weeks it is still functioning properly.

 

[77GlastronMT]

Well, I don't know what happened but it started working again. The only thing I did differently was push the "in" button for a longer period of time. It doesn't move right away almost like it has to build pressure but eventually it will move, it does move extremely slow though. Thanks for the responses, it really helped!

 

[wahlejim]

If its the 1977 glastron in your signature, try adjusting the reverse-lock valve. The older style trim systems have external ones that can come out of adjustment.

 

[kenny nunez]

There is 3k lbs psi on demand in the up direction. Only 800 to come down. The problem is with the seals inside the end caps where the rods come out. Corrosion builds up and tightens the seals around the rods. The rams are not leaking internally, they need to be removed and re sealed. The seal kit is not expensive and you have to be careful watching the way it comes apart . If there is a Mercruiser shop near by just bring them the rams. On the hoses just remember "front hose to front on the trim block".

 

[alldodge]

If there is a Mercruiser shop near by just bring them the rams

Come on, this is a DIY place, not a remove and take to a dealer

 

[77GlastronMT]

Thanks all for the replies, I'm going to pick up a couple of those kits and do both rams, I would be so excited if it actually makes a difference.

 

[kenny nunez]

Unbolt the rear ends of the rams and try to rotate the rods . If you can do that by hand then they are not the problem. If you are in a salt water area the end caps may be frozen due to granular expansion . Lay the end cover on the flat part of a vise and hit it with a hammer while rotating it to loosen the corrosion. Some times the whole tube will unscrew from the front end if that happens it can still be repaired by using a 1/2" socket and pulling the rod from the tube. Use a 3/8th flare nut wrench to loosen the hoses and do one at a time so you have a reference where the seals go. If it comes apart like it should there is a small spool in the front that usually stays in the tube. Screws the cover back on the tube and bang it on the vise to remove it. Good luck