Trim/Tilt Won't Work....and ..... Ign. Tune-Up Kit Needed

[mcpo]

1985 OMC 3.8L, V6 with power trim/tilt. Can't get it to come up or down. Got it down one time and that was it. I have power to the motor, and it clicks when I hit the switch both up and down, but stern won't move. I took apart the Tilt Clutch Assembly. It was full of water and very little oil. I cleaned it all, fresh oil and put it back together but it still didn't work. I'm baffled.<br /><br />When I put it back together is there any secret to how the cross bar tilt clutch that goes through the tilt clutch shaft is supposed to be positioned? <br /><br />I took it apart and put everything back in the same order.. So...I don't know where to go next.<br /><br />Could the tilt motor be bad? I thought it was ok since it lowered it the one time.<br /><br />Also, this thing has been sitting for about 4 years and I'm having a problem finding an ignition tune-up kit. Anyone know where I can get one on here? Thanks.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Cal

 

[tmclendon]

Re: Trim/Tilt Won't Work....and ..... Ign. Tune-Up Kit Needed

Welcome to the club of people having problems with the Stringer's tilt system. Search the forums and you'll find LOTS of info on this.<br /><br />Some quick answers:<br /><br />Make sure the battery is FULLY charged. It takes a lot of amps to tilt up.<br /><br />Unbolt the half-moon gear on the port side of the engine, this is what the tilt uses. Now grease the pivot points (Zerc fittings are under the rubber bumpers on the left and right side) and work the drive up and down by hand until it swings easily. It's heavy, but there should not be a lot of resistance.<br /><br />While the gear is off, try running the tilt motor. It should spin the bronze gear that engaged the gear. If it won't run, you've got a problem with the motor/shaft/clutch area.<br /><br />Check for a blown 50-amp fuse on top of the engine. There are 2 of them, and they BOTH must be intact for the tilt to work. One protects the circuit that energizes the tilt solenoids (It's OK because you hear the click), the other protects the circuit that actually runs the motor.<br /><br />Make sure you did not over-tighten the clutch cover. It can easily bind and lock the tilt. You must use a gasket for proper clearance!!<br /><br />Good luck!!<br /><br />Tom

 

[tmclendon]

Re: Trim/Tilt Won't Work....and ..... Ign. Tune-Up Kit Needed

By the way, my previous post only applies to a Stringer drive (White). If you have a Cobra (Grey), never mind!!

 

[mcpo]

Re: Trim/Tilt Won't Work....and ..... Ign. Tune-Up Kit Needed

Snake Bit: Thanks for the info. I had read some of that elsewhere.<br /><br />Here's what I've done so far. Took apart the tilt clutch housing - it was full of water and milky oil. Cleaned and put back together. Fully charged, brand new battery (850 amps). Gasket you mentioned is intact. Put it all back together - still no work. I get a click up and down from the solinoid, and the fuse is ok, cause I get a positive test light at the motor. My guess is the motor is bound up or something. Going to check that tonight. Like I said, it has been sitting for about 5 years. So the motor just might be stuck, however it did let it down last week, but that was it. I'm going to check the connections at the solinoid tonight too. They have fire to them and from them, but maybe the connections are corrodid and just aren't letting enough amps through to turn the motor.<br /><br />Another question - the Trim: When I push the trim button, up or down, I get nothing, not even a click from the solinoid that runs it. I think the solinoid is the problem or corroded connections there. What do you think?<br /><br />Funny thing is...it is a confirmed Stringer; although it is silver. They didn't make Cobra until 1986. This is a 1985. I've got the complete book of diagrams of it (Stringer) and it is a perfect match - all parts, numbers and etc. Maybe someone painted the outdrive silver. The engine is silver too. Beats me. I was told that the Cobra engines were black. This one is silver.<br />Anyway. Thanks for your help.<br /><br />I found the ignition tune-up kit too.<br />Cal

 

[mcpo]

Re: Trim/Tilt Won't Work....and ..... Ign. Tune-Up Kit Needed

Found the problem! Tilt Motor. Did everything you said, nothing worked. Took the Tilt Motor Off and I've never seen such a mess in my life. Luckily the motor comes apart and I have a diagram for it. One of the brushes was off and the housing was full of gook. The armature was corrided. I've cleaned it all up and fixed it. Getting so late, decided to wait to bench test it in a couple hours. <br /><br />Does anyone have any idea where I can get a part: The Extension Rudder on the back of the Lower Gearcase Group. A little fin looking thing. This one is broke in half. Guess I could JB Weld it, but a small piece of it is missing. Or I could fabricate one. The part no. is OMC 911575.