Trim Leak Merc 5.7 Alpha 1

[Gearhead62]

I have trim oil in the bilge of my '87 Merc 5.7 w/ Alpha

No leaks outside. Topped up the reservoir, and cycled trim up / down several times to bleed. A lot less spongey, but holding OK. Fluid level dropping so I definitely have a leak inside.

No leak seen near pump base.....I see the 2 lines from pump to transom - one black, one gray. Are these under constant pressure? I came home after few days to find drive fully down?

I'll dig up my manual, but to replace these lines, where do I go down below? How do I attack this?

Any suggestions on what else to check? THANKS!!

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Trim Leak Merc 5.7 Alpha 1

If your sure it`s a line, you remove the connector block on the bottom of the transom housing where the 4 lines connect, remove 2 nuts, pull it down .
http://www.marinepartsexpress.com/M...7_0D469858/TRIM CYLINDERS-HYDRAULIC HOSES.pdf

 

[Gearhead62]

Re: Trim Leak Merc 5.7 Alpha 1

OK - Thanks - Got it - Sounds fairly straightforward

Well my Seloc manual doesn't really cover the procedure of line replacement by non-geniuses and not great photos.....Just wondering if there are any formal procedures out there, or any "gotchas" from the exerienced Merc forum

 

[Gearhead62]

Re: Trim Leak Merc 5.7 Alpha 1

OK. I pulled the connector block / manifold down...had some hose restriction and couldn't get it all the way down yet?....about 2 ounces of trim oil poured out. Got it all cleaned up, still can't get it all the way down but able to check both hose connectors on the manifold (from pump), found a loose one and tightened it.....

With manifold still partially down, all connections tight, I refilled reservoir, cycled trim up down several times to bleed, and leak seems fixed? Is it fair to assume that (re)tightening a flared pressure fitting can actually hold well? I didn't pull it to check the flare....

Is this common? Replace hoses anyway? Do connectors fail before hoses?