Trim Cylinder won't move

[BobMaio]

I have an 2000 Alpha 1 Gen II outdrive. I installed the drive yesterday and when I was trying to align the trim cylinders to the install the rear pin, only the port side cylinder would move. I could not get the strb side to push out. I then installed just the port side and eventually forced the alignment to a position where I was able to install the pin in the strb side also. Now when I press the trim button, both cylinders are going in and out and I can trim the drive, but I figure the trim is only handled by the port (good) cylinder and the strb cylinder is just going for a free ride. There are no oil leaks in the sttrb cylinder that I can see. Can someone help me figure this out. Is the cylinder bad, or is there some element of the motor that is not functioning properly? The boat is a 2000 Sear Ray 185. Thanks for helping.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Trim Cylinder won't move

I have noticed similar situations when I have tried to move the trim cylinder(s). Did the cylinders become out of alignment on their own, or did you hit the trim buttons while the drive was not connected, or something like that?

I believe that both are working, based on your description of no problems, etc. One just may be more stubborn than the other (they are both stubborn). I always try to have my trim cylinders fairly compressed (i.e. trimmed in) when taking the outdrive off. They are an even bigger PITA if you are installing the outdrive with the cylinders fully extended.

 

[heavy_breeze]

Re: Trim Cylinder won't move

Put it in gear

 

[BobMaio]

Re: Trim Cylinder won't move

heavy_breeze...I don't understand your response. What does put it in gear have to do with the trim cyliders? Am I missing an important point?

tpenfield...I did install the drive with the cylinders fully in (full down position). When I placed the drive on the bell housing, I needed to move the cylinders about an inch to align with the rear pin. The port one moved but I could not get the strb one to budge. So I installed the pin through the port cylinder and trimmed full down to align to the cylinder that did not move. Then I was able to push the pin through that cylinder as well. As I said, I can now trim the drive, but I am concerned that all the work is being done by just the port cylinder. How can I check it out further? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Trim Cylinder won't move

If you can disconnect the port cylinder and lock it into place, then you can see that the starboard cylinder can lift the drive.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Trim Cylinder won't move

Yup, mine are usually like that too. One of mine would not move this spring, Finally after much convincing and lubrication it started to move. I was just about to disassemble the darn thing and it freed up.