Water in the trim pump

WanabeBoater

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Apr 2, 2006
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I just received a phone call today from the marina that my boat has been winterized and is ready for pick-up, however they found water in my trim pump reservoir. What would cause this to happen?
 

Don S

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Re: Water in the trim pump

Leaky trim cylinder is the most likely.
What drive system and year?
 

WanabeBoater

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Re: Water in the trim pump

1994 Alpha 1....What's something like this cost to repair?
 

Don S

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Chris1956

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Re: Water in the trim pump

I had that problem on my '88 Alpha. I found that if I sucked out the oil and replaced it twice a year, and used 5W-30 motor oil instead of tranny fluid, the water intrusion was minimal. The cure is to replace the trim cylinders (~$220 ea) plus installation or replace the seals in the cylinders.
 

WanabeBoater

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Re: Water in the trim pump

Is that the most common reason for water entry...the cylinder has gone bad? Or could there be another reason?
 

imported_TheMan

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Oct 19, 2006
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Re: Water in the trim pump

I would think bad o-rings. Once you get water mixed in with the oil, you can start corroding the internals, making it difficult to raise/lower.

I freed one of mine up yesterday that was a bit locked up... applying 150 lbs of air pressure and using a leather mallet helped free it up though :). Now 150lbs of air moves it nice and purty like.
 

WanabeBoater

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Re: Water in the trim pump

I'm gonna have the mech mess with it next year...is the repair fairly quick...or is it something that's gonna take awhile for him to fix?
 
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