Power trim problem

[mjwendorf]

I recently purchased a used power trim unit and some of the wire was exposed where it comes out of the motor (I have attached a pic), and I just taped around it and thought that would be it. However, after I installed the unit and bled the system to make sure there wasn't any air in it, it would work fine for a few minutes but have problems if it sat unused for a few minutes.

After sitting idle for a few minutes, when you hit the trim switch it moves really slow, doesn't sound like it is working correctly, and takes 5 sec or so to really kick in, but once it starts, it works great. So I started checking all the fittings trying to figure out what was wrong, to me it seemed like air was getting into the system somewhere. Then I noticed where the two wires were exposed and come out of the motor, there are small air/oil bubbles coming from that area.

With that in mind, is there a gasket that may need to be replaced or know wat the problem may be?

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Power trim problem

Sounds like there is a problem with the motor. The seal around the wires may be bad. Probably need to take it apart and check the brushes too. They may be all gummed up with oil or maybe water and corrosion.

 

[RRitt]

Re: Power trim problem

You need the pump assy. exchanged ($160ish), the motor rebuilt ($120ish), or a new motor ($250ish). This motor is especially sensitive to water intrusion. Once the top seal breaks down rust begins to form. It is not a question of if but when. The longer you wait the more it will cost you to fix.

The problem you describe could be caused by either relay or motor. It really doesn't matter which or both of them is causing your immediate problems. You need to fix the motor before it gets worse. If the magnets rust then you might be forced into buying a $250 motor. Once you fix the motor then it will either work perfectly or have intermittent failures. If it has intermittent failures then go buy some $10 relays off ebay or go to NAPA and get headlight relays. Mercury's $30 price tag is highway robbery.

 

[sweezy722]

Re: Power trim problem

Mine did the same thing earlier this year. I worked on mine the cheap way and it worked. Yours may not or you may cause problems instead of fixing. I took the electric motor off. I then broke the motor completely down to check brushes and windings. I cleaned everything with chlorine free brake cleaner - windings, brushes, housing, etc. I cleaned with compressed air. I then sprayed a fine mist of WD-40 for rust prevention and used compressed air once again to remove any extra WD-40. When puting back together I used black RTV sealant and was very careful to not get any on the critical areas. I als used RTV on the exterior of the motor where the wires and bolts enter the motor. I have not had any problems since.

I also have used automatic transmission in the trim unit with the exception of one year and rust started to form in the pump area. I drained the Mercury trim fluid and have been much happier with the red dexron 3 or dexron 5.

I know this is not the technicians proper method of repair. However, this is an electric motor and they all share the same basic componets and I understand electric motors. When everything is right it will run - then you have to make sure it stays dry. It took several hours and very little money. Take my post with a grain of salt because alot of people may cause more harm than good.

 

[RRitt]

Re: Power trim problem

you should not put WD40 inside the motor. it can soften the brushes and cause them to fracture. What you should do for rust is bead blast, etch, conversion coat, & waterproof zinc primer.

Silicon sealant around cover is fine in addition to rubber seal. Do not fully tighten cover for a day. After silicon has cured then tighten the last 1/2 turn.

You should never use ATF if you can avoid it. If mercury put ATF in at factory then your stuck with it. There is too much risk of additives with ATF and the additives cut lifespan of system in half. The best fluid for this pump is hydraulic oil like they use in industrial hydraulics.