Tilt solenoid issue or bad wiring?

Ferson206

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Jul 20, 2021
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29
Hi. I have a 1980 Glasply with an OMC 120hp sterndrive. Previous owner told me the tilt switch was bad, but it worked for me a few times to lower and raise the sterndrive. Other times it failed to lift but would always lower. I just replaced the switch and I’m getting the same result: If I use a screwdriver to jump between the two posts on the up solenoid, sterndrive comes up smoothly and strongly. Switch always works for down, I’m assuming because so much less power is needed to lower than to raise. Does this sound like a solenoid problem or faulty wiring between switch and solenoid? I’m thinking it’s not a blown fuse because sometimes I do get some raising from the switch, it’s just intermittent - sometimes no lift at all, sometimes very weak lift. Thanks for any suggestions!
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,318
Hi. I have a 1980 Glasply with an OMC 120hp sterndrive. Previous owner told me the tilt switch was bad, but it worked for me a few times to lower and raise the sterndrive. Other times it failed to lift but would always lower. I just replaced the switch and I’m getting the same result: If I use a screwdriver to jump between the two posts on the up solenoid, sterndrive comes up smoothly and strongly. Switch always works for down, I’m assuming because so much less power is needed to lower than to raise. Does this sound like a solenoid problem or faulty wiring between switch and solenoid? I’m thinking it’s not a blown fuse because sometimes I do get some raising from the switch, it’s just intermittent - sometimes no lift at all, sometimes very weak lift. Thanks for any suggestions!
Relays typically work or they don't.

I would start by cleaning up all the contacts in the circuit and see where it takes you
 

kenny nunez

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Jun 20, 2017
Messages
3,335
Cleaning everything is a good start. If the problem persists then you will need to replace the relay. If it has only 3 terminals then it is a grounded base relay. If there are 4 then the other small wire is the ground and it is not automotive.
 

Ferson206

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Jul 20, 2021
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29
Thank you Kenny -
Here are the solenoids. One seems to be for raising and the other lowering, or that’s what I am guessing based on jumping with screwdriver. B28EB9D9-4D5A-444B-9AFA-E4904AB0B98B.jpeg
 

Ferson206

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Jul 20, 2021
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The one on the right, when I bridge the two studs with screwdriver, raises the drive reliably every time.
 

kenny nunez

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Jun 20, 2017
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3,335
Sierra Marine #18-5812 grounded base is what you need. Probably worth the time to replace them both.
OMC # 985063 from Crowley Marine.
 

Ferson206

Cadet
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Messages
29
Relays typically work or they don't.

I would start by cleaning up all the contacts in the circuit and see where it takes you
Sierra Marine #18-5812 grounded base is what you need. Probably worth the time to replace them both.
OMC # 985063 from Crowley Marine.
Really appreciate the help! Parts on the way, I’ll post an update after replacing.
 

Ferson206

Cadet
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Messages
29
Thanks for the quick and accurate advice. I replaced those two solenoids and now the tilt works up and down from the tilt switch, like it's supposed to. Long outings on boat last couple days, no issues with the tilt.
 
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