260 mercruiser sterndrive froze in up position

B

bill gregory

Recruit
Joined
Jul 26, 2010
Messages
3
I have a 87 260 mercruiser w/ alpha 1 sterndrive. Boat has been in storage for three years. Engine started great but sterndrive is stuck in up position.
Any ideas or suggestions. Worked great when put up 3 years ago. Fluid level looks good and sounds like system is "trying". Would love to get the boat out once this year. Thanks in advance
 
S

sxmerc

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 13, 2010
Messages
247
Re: 260 mercruiser sterndrive froze in up position

I'm assuming this is a salt water boat? Sometimes salt water will get between the lift piston and the piston end caps and evaporate. This will in effect lock up on the piston preventing it from going down. Put some penetrating oil on the piston rod, and have someone put weight on the drive while you are holding the down switch. I would then remove the cylinders and install new end caps. Don't forget to check for damage or pitting to the piston rod before you re assemble.
 
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