Trim motor problem

[gnrboyd]

I took my boat out today for a test run to see if the carb rebuilds helped my surging problem. Well, the surging problem is gone but about 45 minutes into my test run, my trim motor stopped working while I was driving. It won't go up or down. All 3 switches are dead. Nothing. I needed to get the boat into my driveway, (incline) so I released the screw that the manual said in an emergency, you could adjust and lower the motor. I was hoping that I also could raise it. No such luck. Now the motor is the down position and I can't get it in my driveway. Is there any way to manually raise the motor? If so, I would appreciate some instructions. (I'm desperate!) Also, any idea what I need to do to find out why the trim motor isn't working? Thank you!

 

[littletunny]

Re: Trim motor problem

What motor?

If the manual release valve is not working, you'll have to remove the seal glands or remove the poppet valve screw (its the big flathead, should be one on each side).

Either way be very careful as the pressure is great and fluid will get everywhere.

Also, watch for flying parts. Dont loose them.

 

[gnrboyd]

Re: Trim motor problem

1993 Evinrude 50

The release screw lets the motor down but I can't budge it up. Now it is all the way down and I need to get it up at least to get it in my driveway.

 

[littletunny]

Re: Trim motor problem

Stuck poppet valve is your problem. How do I know, just rebuilt a 1991 48 spl trim from top to bottom. Ran into more problems than I care to mention. Manual release screw would not work. EXACT same problem as you.

The yellow thingy is the poppet that is probably stuck. Here's the issue. You need to access the big screw on the back side of the trim unit. It may be difficult to access.

#4 in the pic allows you to trim up #1 will allow the motor down.

See if that works, then we can troubleshoot the trim motor

 

[gnrboyd]

Re: Trim motor problem

Thanks for the photos but this looks nothing like mine. My release screw is on the side and is reached through one of the holes in the motor mount. The manual said to release it slowly. It would turn a small amount and stop. Then the motor would drop, and then you could turn it a little more. Now the motor is all the way down and I can't get it up. There is a very large screw but I'm afraid to touch it because your photo looks nothing like mine. I'll try to take a photo and post it.

 

[littletunny]

Re: Trim motor problem

Is this your trim unit?

 

[gnrboyd]

Re: Trim motor problem

That looks more like it. I will have a couple of photos in a few minutes.

 

[gnrboyd]

Re: Trim motor problem

The first photo shows the big screw I think you are talking about. The second photo shows how I got to the release screw. (not a very good shot)

 

[littletunny]

Re: Trim motor problem

Did you notice the manual release screw doesn't exactly line up with the thrust rod hole.

You are going to have to remove the thrust rod (the rod that goes through the bottom of trim unit unless you have a way to remove the poppet screw on the backside. If you remove the poppet screw on the front side it will only allow the motor to sink.

Before we start breaking this puppy down are your trim solenoids clicking at all?

 

[gnrboyd]

Re: Trim motor problem

My solenoids are not clicking at all. For now, my main concern is getting the lower unit up. If I drain the fluid, will that allow me to manually lift the motor. If so, how do I drain the fluid?

 

[littletunny]

Re: Trim motor problem

Big flathead screw on the hull side of the trim unit. Open it up and it will allow you to raise the motor. Again the problem is accessing the screw which may lead you to have to remove the thrust rod in order to access the backside of the trim unit.

 

[gnrboyd]

Re: Trim motor problem

I don't really know what the thrust rod is. I appreciate your assistance but I'm afraid I'm in over my head.

 

[gnrboyd]

Re: Trim motor problem

Ok.. I think I know what you are talking about now. If I remove the rod holding the trim unit in place, it will swing back allowing better access to the back of the trim unit. Correct? The problem is that the motor is all the way down and even if I swing the trim unit I still don't have enough room to get behind the trim motor.

 

[gnrboyd]

Re: Trim motor problem

Well, I went ahead and tried to remove that rod but due to the placement of the mounting bolts on the motor, I can't get the nuts off or the shaft out. I have no idea where to turn next.

 

[littletunny]

Re: Trim motor problem

You'll be fine. It just takes a little time. The nuts on the thrust rod should come off relatively easy. The whole reason to remove the thrust rod is so you can get to the big flathead poppet screw on the hull side of the trim unit.

Did you hold down the nut on the other side as you were turning the nut on the thrust rod?

 

[littletunny]

Re: Trim motor problem

Oops!

Just noticed in the picture how the engine bolts are in your way.

You've got 2 options assuming your trim motor is busted in order to access the trim motor.

1. Remove both bottom engine mounting bolts (I know a pain) and drive that thrust rod out

1A. Hack off a small portion of the engine bolt. Enough to give clearance to the thrust rod.

2. Make a jig to remove poppet screw on backside of trim unit. Then fully extend the ram. Knock out the tilt pin. That will give you access to the motor.

I still recommend you troubleshoot the electrical side of the trim before removing screws.

 

[gnrboyd]

Re: Trim motor problem

Yes, I had a buddy on one side and I was on the other. We got the nut off the shaft but because the bolts mounting the motor to the transom are in the way, we could not get the shaft out. (see my photos)

If I somehow ever got the shaft out (I don't think it is possible in my case without removing the transom bolt.) , does the trim unit twist sideways or does it just swing down? If it just swings down, I will never have enough room to get a screwdriver between the transom and the trim unit to get that plug out.

 

[littletunny]

Re: Trim motor problem

You can twist the unit like I did in my first pic. That why you didn't recognize the trim unit because it was turned sideways.

It seems daunting at this point but its doable.

 

[gnrboyd]

Re: Trim motor problem

That photo helped a lot. (Sorry I didn't see your other post about the mounting bolt being in the way.) I have a call in to a buddy of mine who I am hoping can come by and take a look. This is out of my comfort zone a bit especially since it isn't even in my garage and the fact that I've got an upcoming fishing trip planned and need to get it going. If he doesn't call me back, I may see if I can get a local guy to come by and take a look. I know it will be costly but I'm running out of time.

Thanks a million for your help. If I end up canceling my trip and get the boat in the garage somehow, I may come back and ask for more help if I take a stab at digging deeper.

Thanks again!

***Update*** Got it fixed. It turned out to be just a broken ground wire somewhere behind the 2 trim relays. I ended up calling the local Bass Pro and they came out the same day, basically performed littletunny's procedure above (they did have to remove the motor mounts to get the thrust rod out, hauled it back to the shop, diagnosed and fixed and I picked it up the next day. That was great service. (Same day pick up....in April? I was impressed)