Power Trim and tilt stuck Open ?????

ken777777

Cadet
Joined
Mar 9, 2003
Messages
9
I have a 1989 85 hp that the power trim is stuck out on. I dont have a manual yet. Both the up and down motors hum like they are working, but nothing moves. There are two steelpins that are stuck open on the sides that doesnt let the engine come down all the way. Is the cylender in the middle the one that moves it? Any help would be appriciated.
 

Walker

Captain
Joined
Jun 15, 2002
Messages
3,085
Re: Power Trim and tilt stuck Open ?????

Check for any locks or levers or other braces that are holding it up. Then check the fluid level. What kind of motor is it? 1989 85hp. doesn't tell us very much.
 

JB

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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: Power Trim and tilt stuck Open ?????

Hi, Ken.<br /><br />When low on fluid every T&T I ever worked on goes up and stays there.<br /><br />That is so you have access to the fill port, which looks just like the drain and vent ports on the foot.<br /><br />top it off, cycle it a few times. Repeat until it wont take any more.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 

Joe Reeves

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Feb 24, 2002
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13,262
Re: Power Trim and tilt stuck Open ?????

Ken.... If that engine is either a Evinrude or Johnson, the following may apply to your problem.<br /><br />(PTT Hydraulic Lockup)<br /><br />If the engine has been trailered without having both of the trim rams pulled in, or trailered without even having the engine being supported by the trailering support, it is possible for the PTT to encounter a hydraulic lock up. The slight up and down motion, when trailering allows over 1700 psi of oil pressure to build up on the wrong side of the oil pump. Since the oil pump cannot exceed that 1700 psi, the unit is effectively hydraulically locked into position (the elec motor runs and does nothing).<br /><br />The proper method for trailering is to have the engine in a full tilt position and resting on the trailering support bracket, then have both trim rams pulled in to a point where the engine makes a jerking motion. At this point, immediately take your finger off of the PTT trim switch. Now, quickly and sharply, tap the PTT up button. This removes the vast majority of down hydraulic pressure but at the same time, the engine is solidly locked into position and cannot rock up and down.<br /><br />(The Cure)<br />Have the engine in the up position and supported so that it cannot fall. Look straight at the PTT assy.... you will see what looks like a large slotted screw, but which is in fact a check valve. Remove that valve and what you find inside which is a shuttle valve, and a spring on each end of that shuttle valve.<br /><br />After you've removed those items, look straight inside of that chamber. You'll be looking at the reverse side of another check valve. Look at the hole in the backside of the valve you removed. You will need a punch that will fit inside of that hole.<br /><br />Now, place the punch inside of the hole in that check valve that is still in the unit, and tap it rather sharply with a hammer. It will take quite a rap but the idea is to unseat the valve to release the hydraulic pressure. Watch your eyes as when you do release the pressure, it will have a tendency to spray out somewhat.<br /><br />After releasing the pressure, reassemble the shuttle valve, springs, and outer check valve. Fill the oil reservoir with PTT fluid, having the engine in the extreme full tilt position. That's it.
 

ken777777

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Joined
Mar 9, 2003
Messages
9
Re: Power Trim and tilt stuck Open ?????

Sorry guys I had the wrong info. The engine is a 1979 85 hp Evinrude. Im not sure where to put the fluid. Is it the middle cylinder that actually lifts the engine? What are the two steel pins that are holding the engine out? Im a first time boater, all is new to me. Joe Im not sure how to Identify all of the parts you talked about. Are the trim rams the steel pegs or pins Im refering to? I seen a flat slotted screw on one side of what I thought was a motor and the one on the left has a small philips headed screw on it. Am I any where close guys? <br />Ive found a 1975 manual for sale, is there much that wont be the same for the 1979 engine that I have.<br /><br />Is there a way to lock the engine up when Im trailering it. Joe I didnt understand the Trailering support Bracket. THANKS
 

Walker

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Joined
Jun 15, 2002
Messages
3,085
Re: Power Trim and tilt stuck Open ?????

The 2 steel pins are the trim pins and the one big one one in the middle is the tilt. They all three have to do with raising and lowering your motor. The trim pins push your motor out only so far and at a slow rate. When they reach their limit they stop and the center rod takes over to tilt the motor the rest of the way up. It raises the motor at a faster rate of speed that the trim. I suggest you hit the up button on your controls and hold it for a 5 count. Then look and see if the manual lever that holds the motor up is in the lock position. Your motor should have this lever. It just flips over and braces the motor against the transom bracket. I wish I had a picture. If you find it and the motor is still resting on it then hold the up button until your motor comes up. It may take several seconds.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: Power Trim and tilt stuck Open ?????

Ahoy Roger,<br /><br />Please do not derail someone else's thread with a new, unrelated question. <br /><br />It distracts people addressing the original thread and it is not going to get the attention it would get with a correct topic title.<br /><br />Create a new topic with a title about your problem.<br /><br />Thanks :)
 

ken777777

Cadet
Joined
Mar 9, 2003
Messages
9
Re: Power Trim and tilt stuck Open ?????

Thanks every one for the info. As I said before this is my first boat. The tilt and trim Problem was as simple as adding fluid. Problem fixed. Ive been on the IL. river all day. the boat and tilt and trim works great. I added a ten oz. tube. I ask the mech. at local dealer yesterday what type fluid to use in the trim and tilt and where to put it. He told me to use any auto trans fluid and he couldnt remember exactly where to put it,it had been so long since he worked on that old of a engine. We were standing in front of a exact twin to my Evinrude, a 1979 Johnson 85 hp. Before I enterupted him he was installing a new Johnson 90 hp on a huge Jon boat. Amazing!
 
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