Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

[further]

Picked up what looks to be a good complete tilt trim unit. PO claims all freshwater and no corrosion on unit apparent. Tested it by connecting the two wires to my battery and then switching to check up and down basic operation and it works good. Guess won't know if it leaks down until I install it though. Here's a few pics of the unit. I believe its off of a 150hp and will install on my 1988 85hp, looks like it will fit. Got a good deal on it for $150... won auction on evil bay...







So know have to figure out how to do the install. Getting the unit on isn't too much of a concern as it looks like it'll bolt right on. My concern is the electrical connections, i.e relays, circuit breaker, etc. I'm not too strong on wiring so am a bit lost on this. I've read some and looks like I need two relays and a circuit breaker? I've seen some relays for sale on evil bay but again not sure how it all connects. I've got this wiring diagram from my manual...



So if i get the relays, how does it all connect? and where do I put the relays? do I need another circuit breaker and where/what kind to get?

My motor is off of the boat and on a stand at the moment as I'm in the middle of a restore.

Any advise is much appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

Looks to me the like t/t motor fits between the engine mounts. Not good for an 85. Could be wrong though. Maybe RRitt will advise.

 

[further]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

?? I'm confused. The t/t motor pump is external not integral which is what I need for my 85 from what I understand.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

We'll have to wait for someone more experienced. My t/t motor sits outside the mounts on an '86 125.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

I have to quickly apologize for any distress I may have caused! The t/t motor is indeed between the engine mounts. Mine just works from years ago wit RRitts how to and haven't looked back. One more sorry.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

We'll have to wait for someone more experienced. My t/t motor sits outside the mounts on an '86 125.

The motor is outside the stbd mounts but the cylinders and shock absorbers are inside as shown in the pics. Actually, it will work just fine. Obviously you will need to dismount the engine and replace the mounts with this one. Or you can just do a transfer of the system assuming there are existing mounting holes on the existing mounts.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

Thank you Jiggz, My eyes along with my memory are a bit blurry. Good night.

 

[further]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

Thanks guys. Yeah i'm pretty confident on it fitting. No worries foodfisher . Now just have to get the wiring worked out.

 

[RRitt]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

After 1996ish mercury ran out of prestolite trim motors. They released an oildyne replacement that included relays, wiring, pump ay., replacement oil tubes, and mounting bracket. What you are looking at is a 1988-1992 Force trim system with the replacement pump assy. My guess would be early 2000's. So it should go about 10 years without any problems. Check the top seals on tilt and trim rams. As soon as they show any lifting, cracking, leaking, or hardening then rebuild the rams. Rebuild Kit Chrysler Force Power Trim and Tilt Cylinder Seal Kit | eBay Otherwise, enjoy your good buy without any worries. It's a good system and you got a great price.

As regards mounting. Use a 10" x 9/16" long wooden rod to push out the lower mounting shaft so that all parts stay aligned. Transfer system whole to your engine and use the permanent mounting shaft to push out the temporary wooden one. I don't see a relay harness in pictures. The mercury kit included relay harness and circuit breaker. Maybe PO still has them?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?



Wiring, although it looks complicated is relatively easy. Do you have the relays? if not, the task is a little more complicated but certainly not difficult, especially if you know anything about electricity. If you have the relays, it is a simple plug-in job.

Now: You can buy a wiring loom, OR, if you are confident and adventurous, you can salvage relays from an auto junkyard (like those shown in the photo by the starter motor) and make your own. I have been advocating this for a couple of years now and it seems no one is willing to listen to me. BUT, It is relatively easy and cheap, just a little time consuming.

The trim unit will bolt up fine to your 85 as-is. You can even leave on the transom clamps if they are not split at the bolt holes. If you do not want to remove the engine from the transom, then don't use the transom clamps and bolt everything to your existing ones.

 

[further]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

Thanks for the info guys... much appreciated as always. My motor is off of the transom as I'm restoring my boat. I'm thinking I'm going to use my transom clamp and transfer the system as there is a bolt that appears to be stripped in one of the mounting holes that I'm not sure I want to fight with. As far as wiring, the PO did not have the relays, CB or switch so I've got to put that all together. Much respect to you frank for making junk auto parts work, I'm just not that comfortable with electrical work to be able to do that although with instructions I think I can do pretty much anything. In any case, I was thinking of going the easy route and finding the stuff on evil bay. Would this work?

The switch?
Trim Switch or Jack Plate Control Tilt Switches 28131 Great for Outboards or IO | eBay

relays
Force Tilt and Trim Wiring Harness with Relays 84 819514 | eBay

Circuit breakerCircuit Breaker from A 1988 Force 85HP | eBay

Whatchya guys think? Would this stuff do the job or should I do something different?

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

All those parts are good to go. The relay harness and switch are a little pricey though. For the switch you can just use simple automotive momentary double throw rocker switch (less than $5) or two momentary (single throw) switches. But then of course, that's just me as a tight money manager. Note the switch don't have to be high amp rated since they only control the relays and not the motor directly.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

I have to agree with Jiggz on the price of the wiring harness. A little spendy. Here's what I did. I put a momentary-on, off, momentary-on toggle switch w/a waterproof boot in the dash. I can control the tilt/trim while in the boat and under way.



I also put a rocker version (low profile, less chance of snagging on something) of the switch on the lower cowling of the motor itself. This way I can control the tilt/trim when I'm standing next to the motor when I'm putting in or taking my boat out of the water. Saves me from having to do acrobatics jumping in and out of the boat while it's on the trailer. I guess I'm not as spry as I used to be...LOL!

 

[RRitt]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

Thanks for the info guys... much appreciated as always. My motor is off of the transom as I'm restoring my boat. I'm thinking I'm going to use my transom clamp and transfer the system as there is a bolt that appears to be stripped in one of the mounting holes that I'm not sure I want to fight with. As far as wiring, the PO did not have the relays, CB or switch so I've got to put that all together. Much respect to you frank for making junk auto parts work, I'm just not that comfortable with electrical work to be able to do that although with instructions I think I can do pretty much anything. In any case, I was thinking of going the easy route and finding the stuff on evil bay. Would this work?

The switch?
Trim Switch or Jack Plate Control Tilt Switches 28131 Great for Outboards or IO | eBay

relays
Force Tilt and Trim Wiring Harness with Relays 84 819514 | eBay

Circuit breakerCircuit Breaker from A 1988 Force 85HP | eBay

Whatchya guys think? Would this stuff do the job or should I do something different?

be patient grasshopper. The engineers at USMarine (or prestolite) were the first to use automotive style relays for trim control. Theirs became a universal standard in recreational boating. Mercury, Mariner, Evinrude, Johnson, Tohatsu, Nissan, Yamaha .... are all copies of the Force. As such, you can use any 2w trim wiring harness (although Mercury/Mariner/Force are the best). Be patient and you will find one with circuit breaker for around $30. If you take the $30 chinese and replace the ATC fuse with an ATC circuit breaker then that also works fine. (i'm not a fan of using fuses on trim motors .. just asking to be stuck at the ramp someday).

 

[RRitt]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

pick two water resistant switches ....
one that fits into your dash at the most convenient location
another that mounts into side of engine cowl and will be easy to reach when putting in the trailer bar

The local surplus electronics store or ship-shore outlet is a great place to look.

 

[further]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

Thanks all!! Yeah I want the same set up as pnw's. thanks for the insight. Will keep a lookout for the harness and circuit breaker on eBay. I've got lots of time on this. Prolly won't get this on till next spring since my boats gutted lol

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

I have to agree with Jiggz on the price of the wiring harness. A little spendy. Here's what I did. I put a momentary-on, off, momentary-on toggle switch w/a waterproof boot in the dash. I can control the tilt/trim while in the boat and under way.

View attachment 210596

I also put a rocker version (low profile, less chance of snagging on something) of the switch on the lower cowling of the motor itself. This way I can control the tilt/trim when I'm standing next to the motor when I'm putting in or taking my boat out of the water. Saves me from having to do acrobatics jumping in and out of the boat while it's on the trailer. I guess I'm not as spry as I used to be...LOL!

View attachment 210597

That brings an idea about a local switch in the proximity of the engine. However, I think I will just have to locate where water is not likely to reach it, i.e. inside the boat that is within reach while standing on the ground. The switch will still be water resistant type with rubber boot on it. Thanks for the idea.

 

[Benz Mondi]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

I placed the tilt switch on the left (as you are looking at the motor from the water) side wall so that I can lift the trailer lock with one hand and operate the switch with the other. Even though your have to run the wires underneath and over the gas tank versus a short run from a battery if you mount it on the right side, you'll soon see how much easier it is from the left side. I'll post pictures of it and my dash switch.

Also, don't bother with a trim gauge. It's tough to find an OEM sending unit and the gauge seems to be of little pratical value. Once you are under way, you'll find that you only touch the dash switch to remind yourself that you didn't mistakenly forget to lower the motor all the way down.

I did the same thing to my motor 2 years ago as what you are about to do now, all with the help of all the good folks here. You can look up my post history to see each step from prepping, to painting, to install, and more. There's even a part about how to re-wire the harness.

T-N-T... once you have it, you'll never go without it again!

 

[further]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

Nice Benz... Thx for then info and pics would be great. Ill search your posts as well. Thanks again.

 

[further]

Re: Bought a tilt/trim unit... Now for the install?

How's this one look?

http://bit.ly/15D88wD