Trim/tilt problems

[joefrang]

My boat has a 1975 mercury 50hp with an aftermarket trim/tilt. I have owned the boat for less than a year. The first time out this summer I was experiencing problems with my trim unit. <br /><br />First: The trim button is not working, the buttons for trailering and lowering the motor were working.<br /><br />Second: When raising and lowering the motor it would get stuck up and down for a couple of seconds then finally catch and work.<br /><br />I was going to top off the hydraulic fluid, but I was not sure what to use. I am pretty sure the previous owner told me to use dextron III, but I am not positive. The unit says use only Kiekhaefer formula 4-20w-oil. Could not find any info on-line.<br /><br />I appreciate any information I receive.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Joe

 

[collawash]

Re: Trim/tilt problems

Checking the fluid level and looking for leaks is probably a good place to start. If both those check okay, you may want bleed the system of air in the lines. Sounds as if the 1975 technology may be at issue. Just like booty calls, boats do not last forever. Good luck.

 

[moderator1]

Re: Trim/tilt problems

Moving to Mercury and Mariner Troubles and Repair.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Trim/tilt problems

Sounds electrical. <br /><br />Those switches and solenoids will give you fits when they are 2 years old much less as old as yours are.<br /><br />I had similar problems as you are having and finally got so frustrated that I got a real heavy duty spring loaded 3 pole switch from a Aircraft supply warehouse that was 'on-off-on'. When you let go of it, it went to the (center) 'off' position.<br /><br />I chopped out everything. The solenoids, the wiring, the switches mounted at the driver's station, all of it. I took the 2 leads coming out of the hyd. pump motor and put each on a 'on' pole of the switch, and power to the middle. <br /><br /><br />Hopefully, you can figure your proplem out before such drastic measures need to be taken. But, keep your options open.