Hydraulic tilt and trim problems?

I have a 1992 mariner magnum with a hydraulic tilt and trim unit. When ever I trim my motor up my motor starts to go back down "very slowly". As well when ever I am out on the water and I attempt to trim up my motor to level out my boat it refuses to do so. What could be some potential solutions?

Re: Hydraulic tilt and trim problems?

luvtofish40 said:

I have a 1992 mariner magnum with a hydraulic tilt and trim unit. When ever I trim my motor up my motor starts to go back down "very slowly". As well when ever I am out on the water and I attempt to trim up my motor to level out my boat it refuses to do so. What could be some potential solutions?

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Probably low on fluid, tilt the engine up manually and check/add fluid to the reservoir on the port side of the tilt bracket. Replace the plug on the reservoir then tilt the motor up and down a few times, tilt it up again and refill the reservoir. DO NOT OPEN THE RESERVOIR WITH THE ENGINE DOWN.

Re: Hydraulic tilt and trim problems?

Hey Daveswaves, I am not sure what you mean by "manually", can I just trim it up with the hydraulic tilt? and then put more hydraulic fluid in the reservoir? if so, thanks for the help! How are the inline mercs?

Re: Hydraulic tilt and trim problems?

Had the same motor and the same problem with the PTT.

There is a manual relief valve located at the base of the PTT cylinder. It is located on the starboard (right) side of the PTT cylinder right at the base. It is a plastic "screw" about 1/2" in diameter with a slot for a screwdriver.

If you unscrew the valve (CCW) about 2-3 turns, you can manually raise and lower the motor by hand. Turn it fully CW to engage the hydraulic system again. Problem I had with my unit was that the tip of the valve (plastic) had broken off inside the housing and allowed fluid to bypass the seals. I accidentally over tightened it and broke the tip off.

Easy and inexpensive fix if that's the problem. First thing to do as suggested is to check the fluid level.

Re: Hydraulic tilt and trim problems?

Thanks! I replaced the valve seals and refilled the pump, the problem is non-existing now! Thanks very much everyone.