1979 v4 85hp evinrude trim problems please help

[william white]

My motor has sat for awhile and I just got it hooked back up and my trim is struck up I can hit trim down and it runs but does not go down and when I trim up it makes a clicking noise at what I think is the silenoid can anyone help

[Joe Reeves]

The fact that the PTT electric motor runs indicates that your cable/wiring connections are okay, however it's best, due to being idle so long, that you remove and clean all cable/wire terminals associated with the PTT. This includes the battery and solenoid terminals, ground at the powerhead etc. This is to assure that the unit obtains full voltage when engaged.

With the engine tilted to its extreme up position, check the fluid level and top it off if needed, then reinstall the fill screw. This fill sequence may need repeating.

When attempting to lower the engine, observe the two PTT trim rams. If they are pulling in as soon as you engage that down mode, the PTT unit is okay and the problem is that the steering tube has tightened up against the two transom brackets due to corrosion, rust, whatever, and is jamming the engine in that position. If this is the case, loosen one of the large nuts on either side of the steering tube, then using a block of wood and a fairly large hammer, tap/knock the engine's swivel bracket sideways to break it loose from that steering tube. If successful, spray that steering tube with WD-40 or some such substance to clear away the corrosion etc.

If when you hit the down button, the trim rams do not move but the PTT motor runs, there may be an air lock in the oil pump area. If so, apply 7 to 12 psi of air to the reservoir to force the PTT fluid to that pump area. This air pressure procedure will clear up any air lock problem.

Now, if the engine has been trailered in the up position without being locked down properly, the bouncing up and down motion of the engine can build up more hydraulic pressure on the wrong side of the pump than the pump can supply. This results in the scenario you speak of. To release this pressure, do the following.

Engine in up position. Standing in back of the engine you'll see a large slotted check valve located at the port (left) rear lower portion off the PTT manifold. Carefully remove it. some fluid will leak out so have a container ready. Inside that hole is a shuttle valve with a spring on each end of it, remove those three items. Inside the hole is the backside of another check valve, identical to the one you removed. Using the valve you removed as a guide, use a punch that will fit inside the hole of the back portion of the valve..... then place the punch in the hole of the valve inside the PTT manifold and tap it with a hammer until the oil pressure is released (yes, it will shoot out). When the pressure is released, reinstall the shuttle valve, springs, and check valve.

Let us know what you find.