tilt will only go up/ no down

[pgcountry10]

I have a 1979 merc 260 with a two switch, single solenoid pump and iam new to boating but not to mechanics. The pump will bring the prop up and into trailering mode no problem, but will not put it down. I did get it to go down once by jumping the two large battery posts on the solenoid, but havent got it to do back down since. i have a merc service manual but the wiring diagrams are not that clear, if i add batt positive to the green or blue wire the pump will just try and put it up further. Any ideas? am i just opereating it wrong? possable bad parts? Thanks

 

[dpoff]

Re: tilt will only go up/ no down

I would replace the solenoid. I`ve had similar problems and it`s a cheap part.

 

[pgcountry10]

Re: tilt will only go up/ no down

ok i'll try that, that's what i was thinkin but i wasnt too sure. thanks

 

[pdrayton]

Re: tilt will only go up/ no down

I had the same problem of tilt only going up and not down.

I don't know if you meant relay or solenoid, but a new relay fixed mine. If you notice your tilt is getting slow or sluggish, it's probably one of the relays in the black box that has 2 double wires running to the hydraulic pump. When the relay reaches the end of it's life, the contacts start to not conduct well and response is sluggish. Be sure to get the same kind of relay - mine was a five pin (2 pole I think it is called). The regular 4 pin relays only switch on and off. The 5 pin switches on and reverse.

Got my relay at advance auto parts for $12. The 4 pin was only $4. How annoying!