Can't Lower Stern Drive

H

hhornig

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 4, 2011
Messages
45
Model MCM 4.3 Liter
262 CID
Engine S/N 0L381323

Firing Order 1-6-5-4-3-2
Ignition Timing 10 Degrees BTDC
Spark Plug AC-MR43LTS
Gap 0.045
MAX W.O.T 4400-4800
Idle Neutral 650
Engine Rotation (LH) Left hand

Drive
Mercruiser 181R
Drive S/N 0L477549
Transom S/N 0L566358

After my grandson used my boat I found the stern drive lowered to the ground and he couldn't remember if he lowered it or it just lowered by itself. Anyway using the trailer switch it raised right up, but now it won't go back down using the trim control. I hear a clicking in the engine compartment. Is there a relay or solenoid that I should be looking for or something else? I have never worked on this item in the past although I think I remember the trim not always responding on the first try. Any suggestions on where to start?
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,939
Re: Can't Lower Stern Drive

Don S said:
There are solenoids on the trim pump assembly. Since you hear it click, it probably is a bad down solenoid, but here is how you can go about checking it out.

View attachment 174022
Click to expand...

Ayuh,.... I gotta add,...
Bad corroded, dirty wirin' connections, 'tween the battery, 'n the solenoids, 'n solenoids to trim motor could also be the Problem....

Start yer diagnosis by Cleanin' to shiny metal clean, ALL of the wirin' connections, then grease 'em to keep the corrosion out...

The Ground connection at the mountin' bracket is a known Failure point, so don't over look the Ground path...
 
H

hhornig

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 4, 2011
Messages
45
Re: Can't Lower Stern Drive

Thanks for the help in diagnosing the problem. It was as Don S. and Bond-o suspected, a bad solenoid. In order to work on it without standing on my head, I pulled the pump assembly out. With the primary activated the secondary is still open. Should I replace both solenoids while I have the pump out or just replace the defective one. I have had occasional problems with the lower unit, but never with the upper.

Another question. I looked on the internet and there are lots of sources for this 8996158 solenoid and the prices are all around $17.00. Are name brands (none on the existing one) that much more reliable?
 
mikethepike

mikethepike

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 15, 2010
Messages
42
Re: Can't Lower Stern Drive

Just spent the day replacing mine. Dont fix what isnt broke. Put the 20.00 in the tank
 
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