Trim pump problem

Hey guy's.
I have a '96 SeaRay 190 Signature with a 4.3 Mercruiser engine and an Alpha 0ne Gen II Outdrive. My problem is, when I pulled the boat out yesterday to do my yearly "get it ready to splash" routine I discovered that the trim pump would click when the switch was pressed but would neither trim in or out. I used the troubleshooting guide I found in the forums and determined that there was a problem with the motor. I began to remove the pump unit. but before I did I gave it one last try. To my delight it actually started working again. now the new problem. it works intermittently. I have to press the switch several times before the actual pump begins to work. The solenoids are working fine and I can tell they are both working correctly. So I suppose my question is does this sound like a dirty connection and if so, why is it doing this in both directions. The solenoids click loudly with each press of the switch so I know they're getting power. Do I need to clean the connections on the solenoids themselves or is there a different connection I should be looking for. thanks in advance.

Re: Trim pump problem

Sounds like the brushes in the motor are dirty/worn...

Re: Trim pump problem

Wingedwheel said:

Hey guy's.
I have a '96 SeaRay 190 Signature with a 4.3 Mercruiser engine and an Alpha 0ne Gen II Outdrive. My problem is, when I pulled the boat out yesterday to do my yearly "get it ready to splash" routine I discovered that the trim pump would click when the switch was pressed but would neither trim in or out. I used the troubleshooting guide I found in the forums and determined that there was a problem with the motor. I began to remove the pump unit. but before I did I gave it one last try. To my delight it actually started working again. now the new problem. it works intermittently. I have to press the switch several times before the actual pump begins to work. The solenoids are working fine and I can tell they are both working correctly. So I suppose my question is does this sound like a dirty connection and if so, why is it doing this in both directions. The solenoids click loudly with each press of the switch so I know they're getting power. Do I need to clean the connections on the solenoids themselves or is there a different connection I should be looking for. thanks in advance.

Click to expand...

A clicking solenoid does not mean it's working. It could mean it's half working. Did you verify with a test light to ensure power to the pump motor from both solenoids? Solenoid failure is the most common failure on these. Mine clicked too and they were both bad.

Re: Trim pump problem

Jump a small piece of wire between the 2 large connections on each of the solenoids. If the pump runs up and down when you do this then it is bad contacts inside of the solenoids.

Re: Trim pump problem

I did all the checks on the troubleshooting guide I found in these forums. I will say that now I just think the pump was "stuck" in place from sitting all winter. I was going to pull the unit out so I put a floor jack under the out-drive to relieve any pressure on the lines to take them loose. I don't know if taking the out-drive pressure off did anything, but it started working after that and although intermittent at first, after a few tries It seemes to be working better so I topped of the fluid and dropped her in the lake where she still sits, tied to the dock because I experienced no more problems. Thanks to the guy's that replied, I guess I just jumped the gun, I should have worked on it with my hammer first! LOL