Merc Classic Fifty Electrical issue

OK, I'll try to keep this concise.

I have a 1988 Classic Fifty that has been very reliable. This boat has not seen regular use for the last couple years and the trim/ tilt began working sporatically. This year it wouldn't work at all. I pulled the trim motor off, cleaned the brush holders, freed up the bushings, and cleaned the commentator. It ran fine on the bench. Reinstalled, no movement from the helm switch. Jumped the Solinoid, ran fine. I then jumped to the line on the solinoid that the helm switch activates, heard a small click and nothing else. Now the trim motor will not run when jumping the solonoid ( there is 12v on the right side of the solonoid) and the motor will not turn over.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Chuck

Re: Merc Classic Fifty Electrical issue

OK quick update.

Seemed obvious it was a ground issue, went home at lunch tightened neg side of Battery, motor turns over, tilt goes up, clicks on down. I'll swap wires on the solonoids after work to verify issue, assume I have a bad down solonoid.