1998 Mercury Force Tilt Trim will not go down

[andrew7148]

Hoping someone will help me out. I have a 1998 Mercury Force Outboard that will will get stuck in the up position and will not go down. I don't think its the motor because I can hear it running when I press the button up or down, it just won't go down some times. At first I thought it was as connection problem but I have two tilt and trim buttons in different locations on the boat and get the same results. Then I checked the relays by switching them around and still the up works but the down doesn't. Like I said the when I press the up and down button I hear the tilt and trim motor running but will not go down. So, I'm STUCK! Any help will be appreciated.

 

[250Gimp]

Re: 1998 Mercury Force Tilt Trim will not go down

I had a similar problem alst year with a 1999 75hp after it sat for the winter.

I ended up opening the manual release screw on the tilt pump and it bled off a bit of pressure. It has been fine since.

I'm sure someine will give you a better answer, but hopefully this helps you in the right direction.

Cheers

 

[mtns2sea]

Re: 1998 Mercury Force Tilt Trim will not go down

i am having the same issue. the trim motor is new and running, the relays are fine, but it will not go down. did you ever figure this one out? i would love to know. thanks

 

[RRitt]

Re: 1998 Mercury Force Tilt Trim will not go down

Check your fluid while you have the engine up. Fluid should be just licking the edge of filler hole.

Now that fluid is full, turn the manual release three turns CCW. Manual release is the big white nylon screw directly under trim motor on right side of pump (starboard?). Motor should fall just by gravity. Turn manual release 3 turns clockwise but do not tighten. It doesn't need to be tight, just seated. It will break if you over tighten it. Now try raising motor.

If it doesn't work then you probably need a rebuild. It's not a job for the feint of heart. For the DIY, just get a manifold kit, a couple check valves, and a motor gasket.

 

[raven7]

Re: 1998 Mercury Force Tilt Trim will not go down

I have a '97. Should be the same. One thing to check is the lock pin on the right side of the pivot bracket. It's not spring loaded and it may be catching. It's purpose is to hold engine in full up position.