97'Mercruiser Alpha outdrive 5.7 ltr won't trim down.

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chevcruiser

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I have a 1997 Bayliner Trophy with a 5.7 Mercruiser and Alpha outdrive. The trim cylinders seem to be stuck in the up position. I have removed the lines to the cylinders thinking they were hydraulically locked but had no luck. I also have been spraying the shafts and endcaps with pb blaster to lubricate the seals per previous posts and put downward tension on the outdrive but still no luck. This has just occurred in the last 3 weeks. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: 97'Mercruiser Alpha outdrive 5.7 ltr won't trim down.

Assuming the pump actually runs, have someone hold the button on down and with the trim pump running have a large type person bounce on the back of the drive and see if it breaks free.
 
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chevcruiser

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Re: 97'Mercruiser Alpha outdrive 5.7 ltr won't trim down.

I'll try that Don. The pump is working, at least it is making noise like it is, because if I push the button to trim up it works then the sound goes from high to low like it goes under a load. But when I push the switch for it to lower the drive it whines like there is no load on it. I also read in an earlier thread that the check valve inside the pump could be clogged/defective. Any possibility of that? Thanks so much for your help!!
 
Bondo

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Re: 97'Mercruiser Alpha outdrive 5.7 ltr won't trim down.

chevcruiser said:
I'll try that Don. The pump is working, at least it is making noise like it is, because if I push the button to trim up it works then the sound goes from high to low like it goes under a load. But when I push the switch for it to lower the drive it whines like there is no load on it. I also read in an earlier thread that the check valve inside the pump could be clogged/defective. Any possibility of that? Thanks so much for your help!!
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... Same fix though,.... Jump on it.....

then replace the end caps....

If ya Have too,... Switch the oil lines, 'n use the Hi-pressure side to push it down, then switch 'em back...

The tank is up to level, Right,..??
 
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chevcruiser

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Re: 97'Mercruiser Alpha outdrive 5.7 ltr won't trim down.

The tank is full. I topped it off after removing/reinstalling the lines.
 
brhodes

brhodes

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Re: 97'Mercruiser Alpha outdrive 5.7 ltr won't trim down.

Had a similar issue this year, took a lot of workin back and forth, and a little jumpin on, but got it. I never leave mine all the way uup due to the check valve issue, always back it off a bit. It was haning up 3/4 down. You'll get it, keep at it.
 
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chevcruiser

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Re: 97'Mercruiser Alpha outdrive 5.7 ltr won't trim down.

@ brhodes, The funny thing about this is I also have a 1987 Chris Craft 196 Limited with the exact same engine/outdrive as the Bayliner and it has never given any problems!! The Chris Craft has about 100 more horsepower than the Bayliner though!!
 
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chevcruiser

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Re: 97'Mercruiser Alpha outdrive 5.7 ltr won't trim down.

Ok gentleman, we have contact!! I got the trim working flawlessly in both directions now thanks to the excellent advice I received here. Thank you all very much and I'm sure I'll be back for more advice in the future! I'll check in as often as I can! Thanks again guys and I hope to see you on the water very soon!
 
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sspeiser

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Re: 97'Mercruiser Alpha outdrive 5.7 ltr won't trim down.

I have a 2002 version of the same outdrive. An excellent mechanic advised me to stand on the outdrive while someone else pressed to down button. That worked, so he advised me to spray silicone spray on the "plunge arms" while they were extended (drive up). Viola, for three years now it has continued to work perfectly. I spray the arms occasionally to keep em moving and store the outdrive slightly less than full up.
 
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