Power Trim / Tilt problem

mBurns

Cadet
Joined
Apr 7, 2016
Messages
26
So I ran into an issue with the power trim/tilt. when trying to back off the trailer, the sterndrive shot up (I was told it almost jumped out of the water). When shifting back into neutral, the sterndrive "clunked" as it fell back down. Boat goes forward just fine; just no reverse.

Took the trim pump assembly apart, and found some bad news. It looks like the valve that redirects the high pressure fluid may have eaten an o-ring. In addition, there appears to be some kind of mesh filter installed inline with the hose. On one side (on the assembly it's labeled UP), it's good. On the down side, there's a big hole in it (the mesh filter). To add to the bad news, the "fluid" at the bottom of the tank had a consistency of almost pudding. Most of the tank was normal, viscous fluid, however it had black "floaties" in it. (I'm guessing a shredded o-ring? -- no idea..).

Short version - I decided to replace the whole assembly. pump, tank, adapter, all of it. What I'm worried about is if this "stuff" got into the hoses, and more importantly, the trim cylinders. I probably need to flush them out, but I have no idea what that entails. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

'95 7.4L Mercruiser 454 with a Bravo 3 Sterndrive.
 
Last edited:

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,093
Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... The cylinders can be purged by takin' the lines off, 'n liftin', 'n lowerin' the drive by hand,...

Then hook everything back up, 'n cyclin' the pump,...
 

mBurns

Cadet
Joined
Apr 7, 2016
Messages
26
wow - that was surprisingly easy. I'll admit, after I read your post, I thought Gosh, there's no way I'm going to be able to lift the sterndrive.. worked like a charm. thanks!

(until I broke it) -- upon reinstalling the hoses on the cylinder, I was having trouble getting the fitting to engage the threads on the FWD Port cylinder. Completely stripped. Excellent.

So I ordered a new cylinder. Hopefully I don't break this one too.
 
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