trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

[LBJ]

Hello boaters. Looks like a good forum. I have a problem and hope you can help. I have searched and read over a hundred of past posts and learned a lot but not what I need.<br /><br />My boat is a 1992 Glastron with a Volvo 230A/SP engine type. The engine serial number is 2200025363. It gets light duty on a clear fresh water lake.<br /><br />The tilt/trim stopped working. According to the tilt gauge the unit is about in the middle of its range. When I press either the up or down button I can hear a click from the area of the hydraulic pump.<br /><br />I have made several observations but they are probably not pertinent so will wait for questions.<br /><br />My goal is to avoid going to the shop or at least go armed with lots of good information. My old dealer is having a difficult time and his mechanic is not to be trusted. In addition I need to do this at an efficient cost. I want to do it right and need to know where I stand.<br /><br />The boat is in a cradle in a slip. How do I begin?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Your gonna need; <br /><br />A wiring diagram of the tilt and trim system.<br /><br />A voltmeter and/or a test light.<br /><br />Do you have a repair manual for your boats engine or drive system?

 

[LBJ]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Thanks for responding. I have the wiring diagram and voltmeter but no repair manual.<br /><br />I will get one if necessary. I saw in another post to get the Selnac? Do you agree? Any suggestions on where to get a good price?

 

[paboater]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

You can find the SELOC repair manuals on this site, they are around 25 bucks and very useful.

 

[LBJ]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Thanks paboater. I had not noticed. I will order the manual.<br /><br />Does my problem sound major? Anybody have any guesses yet?

 

[DJ]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Do the basics, while you wait for your manual.<br /><br />Clean all the connections you can find at the trim pump. See if you have power on both sides of the solonoids while engaging the switch.

 

[LBJ]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Thanks DJ.<br /><br />I would like to do that but better wait on the manual. My internet connection and boat are about 60 miles apart and I can't go there willy nilly. I need to be prepared to do as much as possible when I make the trip. I am going to look around up there and see if I can find a cafe or library connection when I go. I'm sure to need help and support.<br /><br />I appreciate the tip and would welcome more.

 

[ss9940]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

I had a similar problem with my pump. The solution was to lightly smack the pump a few times with a wrench/hammer. Think it got stuck and that smacking did the trick - now it worx perfect!

 

[Don S]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

The solution was to lightly smack the pump a few times with a wrench/hammer.

That's not a solution, that is a method of troubleshooting.<br />If it worked after tapping on it, it tells you there is problems inside the electric motor. Probably some rust/corrosion on the brush holders.<br />The solution would be to take the motor apart inspect, clean, and repair as necessary.

 

[LBJ]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Thanks Alex. Smacking things is not usually my style but I might tap it a bit just to see. I will let you know.<br /><br />Thanks Don. I have now read enough posts to assign respect to your opinion. I hope you will check on me from time to time as I learn about my boat.<br /><br />My manual is supposedly on the way. I am anxious to get it and go to the lake. Hmmm, what a great excuse to go to the lake without the kids. I love teaching them about the water but they do inhibit work. Can I get a "Yes Dear?"<br /><br />I have a common collection of tools and am making a list of what to take. Besides the usual things like

• <br />
• voltmeter<br />
• socket set<br />
• screwdrivers<br />
• locking pliers<br />
• open end wrenches<br />
• small hammer <br />
• wire strippers<br />
• electric tape and nuts<br />
• duct tape<br />
• velcro<br />
• baling wire<br />

<br />What other tools and supplies might I need?

 

[Wotknot]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

For a small, fenominal fee - mailed to me, I'll give ya Don's, Bondo's, and Rodbolt's direct line...

 

[Don S]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Isn't that supposed to be NOMINAL Fee? <br /><br />Sorry, no "Yes Dear" here, best you can hope for is a low grumble.<br />ANYWAY, back at the trim pump.<br />Check the main breaker or fuse for the trim pump and make sure you are getting power to the relays on the pump. (10ga. red wires) and make sure the terminals for the relays aren't all corroded. That has been the cause of many a trim problem.<br />Not sure the manual will help, even the Volvo manual has little info other than a wiring diagram, and the after market manuals have about the same or less.<br />Here is the wiring diagram. It's hard to understand, and even harder to explain how to troubleshoot it.<br /><br />

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Originally posted by LBJ:<br /> I have a common collection of tools and am making a list of what to take. Besides the usual things like

• <br />
• voltmeter<br />
• socket set<br />
• screwdrivers<br />
• locking pliers<br />
• open end wrenches<br />
• small hammer <br />
• wire strippers<br />
• electric tape and nuts<br />
• duct tape<br />
• velcro<br />
• baling wire<br />

<br />What other tools and supplies might I need?

Crimping pliers and shrink tubing (the type with glue).

 

[LBJ]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Well, Wotnot. I would rather have one of you great mechanics living next door and I could return the kindness.<br /><br />I am new here but have noticed that there are some that not only know their business but consistently take the time to share their expertise. This happens on all great forums. It is a good opportunity for me and I will contribute when I can to this forum in return.<br /><br />BTW, I am a good source of info in other little corners of the internet. You never know, I might have helped you or others from here. The internet is one big fantastic community. <br /><br />But the three you named are not the only ones with great advice. There are a lot of members who postively contribute when they can.<br /><br />Do you have any advice for me?

 

[LBJ]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Don, I figure I need the manual anyway since I am taking a new level of responsibility for the boat and considering its age.<br /><br />I have been studying the diagram and have a friend who is a airplane wiring tech manual editor that might answer a few questions and I might actually understand him. Translating the drawing to a wiring harness is always a frustrating experience, at least for me.<br /><br />I can hear a click when pressing either up or down buttons. Can I assume that I hear the relays?<br /><br />Since both up and down quit at the same time; is this an indication that the problem is beyond the relays?<br /><br />That 55 amp fuse in the drawing appears to be the one attached to the block. Is that right?<br /><br /><br />Dunaruna, thanks for adding to my list. I think I have some crimping pliers that I used long ago to make up network cable and maybe they will work. I will look for them tomorrow.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Since both up and down quit at the same time; is this an indication that the problem is beyond the relays?

Most likely<br /><br />

I have a common collection of tools and am making a list of what to take. Besides the usual things like <br />voltmeter<br />socket set<br />screwdrivers<br />locking pliers<br />open end wrenches<br /> small hammer <br />wire strippers<br />electric tape and nuts<br />duct tape<br />velcro<br />baling wire

Seriously if the fuse is good try the highlighted tool first.<br /><br />To use this tool have someone hold the trim switch in one position or the other while you wrap on the pump motor.<br /><br />Be stern but cautious. Do not hit top center, or side center. Wrap around upper edge.<br /><br />[edit]<br />As for the tool box;<br /> I would suggest some electrical wire, 10 or 12 guage will handle about any problem you need to repair immediately. Makes great jumpers for diagnostics also.

 

[maphillips3]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

I dont know if this will help, I have a '86 bayliner with a volvo engine and the tilt and trim stopped working on it, and all it would do would be click when i hit the switch. it has a Large inline fuse on the rear backside of the engine that had burnt out. I replaced the fuse and it works fine. take that for what it is worth, it was a .98 fix. cant beat that!

 

[LBJ]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Thank you Reel Poor. I now feel better about Alex77's advice. Please don't take it personal Alex77, I'm just a cautious guy and don't know you very well. Funny thing about wire. Only two months ago DW was asking why I had a nest of wire pieces stuffed into an old suitcase. heh heh I love it when I can use some of my collected jun . . . treasures.<br /><br />You got that right Matt. If my problem is only a fuse then I will be dancing with joy.<br /><br />Don S., I know . . . if that is the problem, I have to consider why the fuse burned and I will.<br /><br />Thanks Matt.

 

[LBJ]

Re: trim/tilt on Glastron with Volvo

Thanks to all that responded. Matt was right and it turned out to be the 55 amp fuse.<br /><br />So for all the neophytes like myself, here is what happened.<br /><br />I used my volt meter to determine that the trim motor was not getting power. The relays and switches were all working. I traced power wire to the fuse. I did not recognize it as a fuse at first. It has two brass terminal screws and is bolted to a bracket low on the port side on engine very near a 40 amp circuit breaker. I was expecting a container with a glass tube in it. I kept looking around until I noticed something tied to the nearby main power wiring harness. I was curious so cut if off for a look. Then I realized it was an extra fuse. Go figure. I guess that Volvo put the fuse there. Yeah for them. I checked the continuity on it. Yeah again. I checked the continuity on the one in-line. Nothing. Easy fix except when I dropped a little bolt under the engine.<br /><br />Why did the fuse burn after 13 years? Don't know. All the wiring seemed to be in great shape. Maybe it was because the positive battery cable was pretty loose. Maybe it was because the power wire to the stereo had come loose and was flopping around. Probably a combination of age, little and big surges.<br /><br />Now I want to get a new fuse for an extra. The part number is 856355. I found a price of $33.00. A local dealer said that part is superceded with 3819905 and he can order it for $9.64. I can not verify his info searching part suppliers on the internet so can anyone shed any light. Maybe the part number needs some dashes or something.<br /><br />Don S. was right too, not only about checking the wiring. The repair manual I bought was little help. The wiring diagram helped me gain a general knowledge of the system. Thanks Don.<br /><br />I have not forgotten the advice from reel poor and Alex77. Luckily I did not have to go that far but now I know. And I have added to my tool list thanks to Dunaruna.<br /><br />I have been reading my new manual and find a lot of things I want to check but that is for another thread.<br /><br />Thanks again for helping me through my first boat repair even though it turned out to be a minor deal.<br /><br />Any comments about the fuse part number?