Trim Problem/No Lower Unit Oil?

270sundancer

Cadet
Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
13
This is probably unrealted to my Runs Great For Long Period But Dies problem but thought I should mention it. Had lower unit service this winter/oil changed,etc, but 2nd time out for a decent run this year when I was trying to diagnose the cutoff problem, I noticed that there was NO, NONE, ZIP, lower unit oil in the reservoir. The trim had seemed to be working fine on the trip, got up on plane easily trimmed all the way down, and trimmed up for cruising. I filled the reservoir and checked the trim with the button and could here the electric motor run in the down trim mode, but only would run for 1 second when trying to trim up. Held the down trim for a while, did not change pitch as it normally does when it trims ALL THE WAY DOWN. Tried the trim up again and the same thing, 1 second and nothing. Trailer mode works fine. Left it in trailer mode at the slip as this is what I usually do. Not sure to keep tryin the trim or if this will cause damaged since it ran dry. The oil actually looked HARD and kind of SCORCHED (not discolored however) in the bottom of the reservoir. I think I need to take this problem to the mechanic that pulled the unit and replaced it!! Could they not have tightened something up? Could heavy seas, 5'-6' seas have loosened the lower unit, spun the prop? Would this cause a loss of oil/use of oil? I HAD taken on HEAVY seas in a TSTORM the night before but never had the unit OUT of the water during the storm. Any help would be appreciated! We have a REALLY NICE 270 Sea Ray that is IMMACULATE! We just want it to run GREAT, considering all of the maintenance we put into it and replacing ANY part when necessary!!
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,074
Re: Trim Problem/No Lower Unit Oil?

You don't say what kind of motor/drive/year you have.All info will help.
Fill it and if you are in the water cycle it and see if you make a slick.
Changing the LU wouldn't make the trim leak unless he broke a line.Some older trim resivoir was made with cheap plastic and would crack.. Do that test and get back.Jerry
 

270sundancer

Cadet
Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
13
Re: Trim Problem/No Lower Unit Oil?

Sorry Jerry, it's a 1998 SeaRay 270 Sundancer with a 7.4L, 454 CID, mercruiser Bravo III drive. I just can't figure out WHERE the lower unit lube went to and does the lower unit gear lube operate the trim or is there seperate fluid for trim operation?
 
Top