Trim / tilt broke. Both up and down relays showing voltage.

[ryno1234]

Disclaimer: this is for a Yamaha Stern Drive, but that forum isn't perused much and this is likely a generic question that would benefit any brand of outdrive.

My trim motor is not longer functioning. I tested the "up" and "down" relays per my Clymer's manual. Both relays "click". They also both show voltage as they should when pressing the desired direction. So, from what little I know about electrical, that means they're both working.

Here is what's interesting: The "down" relay showed voltage from the pump when I pressed both down on my control AND up. That really caught my attention. I then tried to test the "up" relay to see if it would show voltage while pressing both up and down on my control.... sure enough...

So, I would imagine if both the up and the down wires into the pump are receiving positive charge, that would definitely be at least one reason why the motor isn't working (right?). Also, since the relays themselve are isolated devices, I believe the continuity bridging (excuse the, most likely, wrong terminology) is happening inside my pump unit itself. Maybe something fused together?

One final note that may apply - I have had issues with my pump reservoir overflowing at times due to a cracked reservoir cap. This means that occasionally I'll have pump fluid run down the sides of the pump (sometimes a lot of it). The electrical connections go into the pump underneath the reservoir. I'm wondering if the liquid is acting like a conductor and may my electrical connections are just simply submerged in a lot of fluid.

Any ideas? I'm wondering if I need to purchase a whole new pump or if I should take my changes at disassembling this and figuring out if that is what's going on.

For reference, this is what the trim / tilt pump looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5udslFA4J4M

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, throw the clymer manual away. too much wrong information for it to be a benefit.

next, use a set of jumper cables and power the motor directly from the battery. you will most likely find the motor is toast. (appears to be a common problem with the yamaha tilts based on the forum traffic)

the only way your reservoir could overflow is if you have water entering the system or you over-filled the reservoir. if your cylinders are retracted, when you fully extend the cylinders (raise it up) the level will drop a bit.

for a hydraulic reservoir to overfill, you have to have the cylinders fully extended, then over-fill the reservoir, then retract the cylinders. the difference in oil is known as "rod volume"

 

[ryno1234]

With due respect Scott Danforth , I've worked on this boat for 20 years with this Clymer. It's been a god-send. I've rebuilt damn near most aspects of this boat with that as a reference. It's never steered me wrong. Maybe this is just a diamond in the rough of Clymer. The only reason I'm pointing this out is incase anyone else jumps on this thread with this same outdrive and needs a manual.

Now, that said, I have noticed that some manuals sometimes have lots of misinformation, but this particular one I have here is gold. If I had one complaint, I wish the index was more of a cross reference.

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I'll jump the power directly to the trim motor. I suspect I will still get positive voltage on the opposite lead (i.e. if I jump "Up", I suspect I'll get voltage on "Down".... frickin' weird).

At any rate, I got a "new" (used) pump from EBay. We shall see...

 

[Scott Danforth]

I am glad you are happy with the Clymer manual. I wouldnt use one if you paid me.

now, a factory manual is worth its weight in gold.

 

[ryno1234]

Hey, factory manual sounds fantastic. Let me know where I can snag one of those. I would definitely agree that's gold Thanks for all your help Scott. You've helped me in a few other threads as well. Much appreciated!

 

[kenny nunez]

As far as the pump not working and the fact that you have had this boat for the last 20 years I am pretty sure that the brushes are probably worn down to the tension springs. As far as the fluid overflowing I do find that somewhat strange, and have to agree with Scott.

 

[achris]

Pump motors are easy to strip and rebuild. Set of brushes and bearings and it'll be just as good as a new one (actually, probably better)...

Chris......