Yamaha Trim Ram Leak

butlp · #1 May 31st, 2002, 07:12 AM

For the first time I foolishly stored my 1989 90hp Yamaha tilted up this past winter. I had the boat shrink wrapped but had to trailer it home and can only do that with the motor up.

Now one of the trim rams is weeping very slightly and I have had to top up the oil reservoir. The other trim ram and tilt ram are fine.

I contacted my local dealer to see if I could get a seal kit for the trim rams and if I could hire/borrow any special tools needed. They want $245 for parts and $280 for labour, but suggested I leave it and see if the leak stops when I get the boat in the water and start using it more.

I don't have my service manual here in Mexico, but from memory I'm sure with the correct tool you can pull the end caps off the trim rams and replace the seals. Anyone performed this work and can advise how difficult it was.

I have seen Auto Transmission Conditioning Fluid in the auto parts stores that supposedly stops leaks. Has anyone tried this and would recommend it before pulling the T&T apart.

Thanks in advance,

Peter

rbu · #2 May 31st, 2002, 07:23 AM

I don't think I would try the auto tranny fluid with that leak stopper.

Have you tried to tighten the end cap? Yamaha says you need a special tool but there are ways around that.

butlp · #3 May 31st, 2002, 07:58 AM

rbu,

It's leaking around the ram so I'm not sure if tightening the cap will help.

I was hoping that the seal or "O" ring would swell if I used the tranny leak stopper.

pthein · #4 May 31st, 2002, 08:47 AM

I wouldnt use the trany oil either. It is not designed to take the pressures of the tilt trim unit and it doesnt have the anti corrosions stuff that the Yamaha t&t has.

I would also recommend that you just use it a bit. The t&t fluid sometimes swells and relubricates the innards and the leaks go away. Keep in mind that what you are seeind on the top of the unit is not the seal or o-ring, rather it is just the wiper. That $250 kit has a lot of small o-rings, check valves, etc. inside (estimate 50 pieces) and it takes a long time to r&r unit. The labor quote is not that bad. If you decide to do it youself you dont need a yamaha tool. Just go to the store and get a spanner wrench that has the right size ends. Dont use one that is not a perfect match on the end diameter else it will chew up the fittings.