Power trim switch problem

[jimpittman]

I have an old Evinrude 115 hp. It's about a 1988 model. It runs good but the power trim rocker switch located in the control box throdle handle is not making contact for the up position. You can't fish in Louisiana with out being able to tilt your motor. How difficult is it to make a proper repair. I don't want to spend a lot of money to pay for repairs. Is it feasable to cut the wires coming out of the control box to the power trim motor and install a proper switch mounted on the console? I had a real old model once and this is where the power trim was located. I tried looking on the internet for a parts breakdown but could only find manuals for sale, so I am going more or less on my own at this time. What do you guys think is the best way to handle this?
Thanks
jimpittman

 

[boobie]

Re: Power trim switch problem

Yes you can cut the wires and install a three way switch in your dash or whatever. If you want to do it correctly you'll have to remove the the handle from the control box, take the handle appart and replace the switch. Have you checked the switch with an ohmmeter to make sure it's defineatly bad ?

 

[jimpittman]

Re: Power trim switch problem

I bet you guys get so tired of idiots like me asking questions and not giving you enough information to help make a good diagnosis. No I have not checked with a meter. I am pretty sure the switch is not making contact on the up side. If i play with it sometimes it makes contact and it works, but it is not reliable. I was hoping not to open the control box because I donot have a breakdown and not sure I can even find a part to fix it once I get into it and may even ruin something else. I do believe the best thing to do is to open the control box and do it right.
Thanks for the come back.
jimpittman

 

[boobie]

Re: Power trim switch problem

Just remember, "There is no dumb question". Better to ask first rather than screw something up.

 

[jimpittman]

Re: Power trim switch problem

OK Boobie I will try to make a proper repair, but first I will need some advice and some encouragement. This is a 1984 Evinrude four cylinder 115 hp motor with power trim and tilt. Model number is E115TLCRD. I have unbolted the control box from the console. Can I remove only the shift handle by removing the allen screw I am looking at from the side of the control box? There looks like snap ring of some sort around a shaft of sorts inside the main hole. I loosened the allen screw to see if the handle would loosen up, but it didn't and I didn't want to make matters worse by completely removing the allen screw so I stopped. How does the handle come off? Also, are the wires coming out the bottom of the shift handle the trim wires. They go under the floor of the boat.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Power trim switch problem

Dont go cutting wires yet. I don't have time to read through the thread right now and I am not an expert but I would guess if you havent tried this it might just work. Swap out the two relay swithces for the tilt & trim if the motor will then go up but not down you know your problem is a relay switch. 5 minutes and about $15 to fix.

 

[boobie]

Re: Power trim switch problem

If you still have to take off the handle, back the allen screw out but not completly. Then give it a wack with a hammer. This should break it loose. Have it in the neutral position when you do this. Makes putting it back on easier. Then you will have to take the handle appart to get at the switch. Follow the wires from the switch and there should be a quick disconnect from the switch.

 

[James R]

Re: Power trim switch problem

Yes. The wires coming out of the bottom of the handle are the trim control wires. Good advice from Gatormike and Boobie.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Power trim switch problem

Ok I am home now and can better respond to your question. I had a customer walk into the office just as I was reading your post so I had to rush my response.

I may well be wrong but I have owned 2 different 115 hp crossflow V4s and I know the tilt & trim relays can cause the tilt system to do funky things. I have seen them tilt down but only click when you try to raise the motor, if you swap the relays you will get the opposite results. Like I said I've had 2 diffrent 115s owned each for about 10 years and I know those relays can be the root of many problems similar to your's.

http://www.crowleymarine.com/johnson-evinrude/parts/44662.cfm

Here is a link to the tilt electrical systems parts diagram, Part #46 is the relay I speak of, there should be 2 of them. They are little black cubes about 1 inch square. The simply plug into a socket so it only takes a minute to check them out.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Power trim switch problem

...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Power trim switch problem

CDI electronics makes a great electronic replacement control switch box. I have found it to be much cheaper and more reliable then the old relay assemblies or even the older solenoid set ups.

I would start the diagnosis at the motor and work forward.

 

[jimpittman]

Re: Power trim switch problem

Boogie and all you other guys who are helping me. The mystery is solved. I opened the control box handle and low to my surprise the post that the screw holding the switch, screws into is broken and the switch was moving just enough that I couldn't make the up side always make contact. I removed the switch and it works fine in my hand. I put everything back together and left the switch hanging for now. I may just tape it to the console so I can fish until I can get a replacement handle or sometime in February when it gets too cold to fish,then make a more permanent repair.
I can't tahnk you enough for taking the time to respond to me. I have posted a number of times and almost every time you guys were right on with your advice. Mabey this will help someone else along the way.
jimpittman

 

[boobie]

Re: Power trim switch problem

Glad you found it. I've always said "It's the little things that get you".